(MENAFNEditorial) Companies in GCC with poorly designed offices are taking a significant slice out of their bottom line, a study commissioned by workspace at INDEX exhibition in association with HNI, and conducted by YouGov has revealed. Findings indicate that associated loss in productivity and business potentially accounts for as much as US$70,000 per year for a large business and more than US$35,000 a year for a medium-sized company in the region.
A total of 867 senior managers across the GCC were surveyed to analyse the leading cause of employee accidents within the workspace, as well as the major causes of occupational health issues. More than a third of both large and medium sized businesses said that 'poorly designed, cramped and overcrowded office space' was a principal factor in employee accidents (35% and 38% respectively) and a similar number cited 'old, poorly maintained or broken office furniture, equipment fixtures and storage' as culprits (34% and 35% respectively) .
Three quarters of the panel surveyed (76%) believe that allocating company budget and investing in a design upgrade of their office space would result in a significant reduction in the number of accidents and illness, and ultimately of a reduction in loss of revenue. The results have been announced today on the eve of the largest MENA commercial interiors trade fair – workspace at INDEX - which kicks off tomorrow, 19th May, at the Dubai World Trade Centre and runs until 22nd May 2014.
'A well-designed office environment not only motivates staff but also helps business thrive. The results emerging from the YouGov survey confirm just how crucial well-considered office design is, and the strong impact that it has on the company's business and its employees' health, wellbeing and productivity. The growing interest in workspace design is also confirmed by the increasing number of visitors to our show – up 16 per cent up in 2013 compared to 2012 – and in the quality of international exhibitors that are exhibiting at workspace at INDEX 2014," commented Rebecca Lockwood, Event Manager - dmg events
The senior managers surveyed by YouGov estimated that their companies on average had each lost 14 manpower days due to employee accidents in the office and a full 39 days due to employee sickness related to occupational health issues over the last 12 months.
Among the top factors contributing to accidents in the office are: poorly designed, cramped or overcrowded office space (37%); and old, poorly maintained or broken office furniture, equipment, fixtures or storage (35%). Other issues of concern are: blocked walkways and corridors due to lack of space (26%); and overloaded cupboards due to lack of space (25%).
When asked about health issues developed because of workplace conditions – such as back pain and strain – half (49%) of the total respondents flagged the poor design of the workstation as a major cause and almost as many (44%) named office chairs which are too often old, poorly maintained or broken.
workspace at INDEX is organised by dmg events. The show will run from May 19-22 at the Dubai World Trade Centre alongside INDEX International Design Exhibition, its partner trade show which covers the residential, hospitality, and retail interior design and fit-out sectors.
For more information on the show and pre-registration, visit www.workspace-index.com
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