OFIS hosts industry experts on inclusive and collaborative design practices

Aims to set new standards in next generation commercial interior design across the UAE

Dubai, 1 June 2015 - OFIS Al Gurg Office Furniture, LLC (OFIS), a division of Easa Saleh al Gurg Group LLC is an interior design and furnishing practice specializing in modular furniture, flooring systems and fit-out solutions and an integral part of the 'office renaissance' currently taking place globally to foster a more productive workplace. In keeping with these global dynamics, OFIS will host industry experts at its showroom on June 10, to engage with commercial architects, designers, consultants and decision makers on 'Inclusive and Collaborative Design Practices.' Experts will speak about employee wellbeing, workplace efficiency and achievements as a direct result of accessible, flexible, connected and purpose driven workplace solutions.

Dom Smith, founder of Disabled Entrepreneurs (UK) and Brand Ambassador to Muzo, a furniture brand specializing in inclusive design or 'way of work' furniture will speak on the need for accessible furniture for physically challenged individuals to cultivate wellness in the workspace. Living with cerebral palsy, Dom will share his personal challenges in the working world. On the collaborative workspace side, Georges Roux, a leading workplace architect from Steelcase, will share his expertise on work environments designed to nurture physical, cognitive and emotional needs that help to foster engagement and collaboration

"Offices used to be, or in some cases still are, set-up like organizational charts. With business becoming more complex, people must work together to create and share information. Studies show a rise in innovation within a workplace that encouraged and supported brainstorming, peer critiques, and the free exchange of ideas. OFIS has been at the forefront of offering solutions that allows creation of workspaces where employees can collaborate more and have a broader sense of community, as opposed to being confined to their solitary work stations. I am sure that the theme of collaborative design practices will find resonance among many forward-thinking enterprises in the UAE," said Abdulla Al Gurg, Group General Manager, Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group LLC.

The Zayed Higher Organisation for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs, recently announced that approximately 21,956 individual across the UAE inhibit a disability. As a result, a call to action has been implemented to integrate this population segment into schools and workplaces. * Championing this movement of innovative inclusive design workspace options, OFIS has acquired the exclusive distributorship of Muzo, within the UAE. OFIS will distribute this product range, creating effective workspaces and inclusive educational centers for a significant percentage of the UAE's physically challenged residents.With the use of Muzo's intricate inclusive design products, many workplace obstacles are addressed and solved allowing employees to thrive and reach their potential.

"Used by both able-bodied and physically challenged professionals in offices, schools and healthcare facilities, Muzo's products are designed with an understanding of the range of needs of today's workforce. Gone are the days of a one size fits all approach, which is a key consideration for this region as the number of enterprises with varied needs are set to open," said Ben Woods, General Manager, OFIS.

Recent research has shown that 87 per cent of employed people are "not engaged" or "actively disengaged" from work typically in a work from home setting. This means that they're emotionally disconnected from their workplaces and thus less likely to be collaborative. ** George Roux from Steelcase will emphasise the importance of designing a work environment which becomes an ecosystem of interconnected and interdependent spaces to improve collaboration, employee engagement and leading to increased organizational performance.

With a strong economic outlook and the UAE becoming a hub for industries and professionals alike, the need for collaborative, functional and inclusive designed workspaces is at an all time high. Having created functional and contemporary office spaces to a growing portfolio of world-class clients including like DHL, HSBC, Emirates Airline, and a number of banking organizations within the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC), OFIS is well augmented to satisfy workspace design needs across diversified industries.

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About OFIS - Al Gurg Office Furniture LLC (OFIS) - a part of Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group
OFIS - Al Gurg Office Furniture LLC, (OFIS), a part of the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group is an interior design and furnishing practice that specializes in modular furniture and flooring solutions for workspaces. Specializing in the corporate, healthcare, and education sectors, OFIS has been providing workspace solution products and design services since 1984. With the technological advances over the past couple of decades, an emphasis on well-designed, exceptional quality and purpose driven furniture for work spaces is a vital part of the overall wellness and effectiveness of an enterprise and its employees.

Our industry recognized furniture partners include Steelcase, DVO Aresline, Benel, IFT, Muzo and Arper, which specialize in fit outs for the corporate, educational and healthcare markets. We also cater to the flooring requirements of these industries through our flooring brands including Interface, Armstrong and Parador.

Along with OFIS' fit-out services, the firm offers space planning and design consultation services to ensure workspace functionality, space optimization, accessibility, a productive work environment and overall well-being across multiple design elements.

For more information and a full list of OFIS product and services, please visit: www.ofisme.com/

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Stephanie Kuffner
Email: stephanie@dpq.ae
Mob: +971 52 690 1377
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