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There are hundreds of interior design companies in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the UAE. There are even more factors to consider when choosing the right company for your project. When selecting the right company to collaborate with what factors are most important? Knowing the company’s history is a great place to start. Once you understand what sort of projects an interior design company has completed it’s easier to imagine if they could be the right fit for your project goals. These company reviews will help take the guess work out of choosing the right interior design company for your professional project in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or the UAE. Naturally, the companies with the most interior design experience in have the most knowledge to best serve their clients. However, the companies focusing on the WELL standards have the most modern and original approach. WELL standards focus on seven core elements believed essential for a positive workplace: Air, Water, Nourishment, Light, Fitness, Comfort and Mind. These standards reflect the way interior design is evolving and the line between residential and commercial spaces are blurring more and more. The only WELL Accredited company in Dubai is called Xworks. They also have an executive team with nearly 30 years of experience. With a skilled team of 20 across their Abu Dhabi and Dubai offices they offer turnkey service and all the necessary resources to support projects of all sizes. Xworks has set the standard for the most modern and holistic approach to interior office design specifically. For companies specializing in retail and hospitality interior design 4space and KPS are in close ranking with Xworks. Each having over 15 years of Dubai experience respectively. Though they lack the WELL accreditation, they claim similar priorities of modernization and sustainability. It’s an exciting time for interior design in the commercial space in Dubai. More and more companies will soon have to meet the standard set by these industry leaders. These reviews are based on the current market and likely to continue to evolve over time.

Dubai is an ever-evolving capital that has made its mark on the globe as a centre of business. With professionalism at it’s heart, the need for a positive work-force has never been more vital. “The design and outfitting of workspace is a major capital investment for any organization that can affect a number of business outcomes, including productivity, employee satisfaction, engagement, talent recruitment, and brand impact.” With new statistics emerging every day proving the necessity for sustainable and functional office elements, many companies are deciding to hire in a specialist interior design company to bring their office space up to more modern standards. The WELL Building Standard is the future of interior office design and focuses on seven elements in order to achieve the highest return on investment – positive and productive employees.  These elements include: Air, Water, Nourishment, Light, Fitness, Comfort and Mind. Implementing these elements can greatly improve the success of any company and following a few innovative office design trends can maximize the efficiency of work-space design. The following trends are known boosters of employee satisfaction, which in turn encourages a more efficiently run business. RETHINK THE DESK Gone are the days of cubicles and individual desks that keep employees sedentary and separated. Incorporating open spaces, height-adjustable desks, and more integrated working stations will promote conversation, thus resulting in more ideas and a uniquely bonded team. The traditional cubicle office has been replaced by open spaces, composed by flexible mobile partition systems, break out areas, informal meeting rooms and relaxation zones. BIOPHILIC DESIGN Exposure to nature is one of the most reliable ways to boost your mental and physical health. Incorporating Mother Nature into office design through natural elements, organic materials, water features, outdoor office extensions, and plant placements throughout the space have real, measurable benefits for human performance metrics such as productivity, emotional well-being, stress reduction, and learning. ERGONOMICS Working in an office can be extremely sedentary. Spending hours of time sat in a chair and at a desk can have extremely negative impacts on both physical and mental health. While avoiding them is not always an option, there are other ways to get rid of the sedentary work lifestyle and that includes choosing the correct office furniture. Soren Kraen, CEO at Xworks, explains the benefits of implementing ergonomic furniture: “We always suggest ergonomically correct sit-stand desks for all offices, because with an adjustable sit-stand desk every single employee gets a desk that they can adjust to fit them exactly. Just as important, the employee gets the possibility of variating his work position between sitting and standing throughout the day.” Incorporating any of these tactics into the work-place will revitalise employees and there are an array of interior design companies in Dubai that specialise in marrying sustainability and functionality within their designs. It is essential to find a company that works under the WELL and LEED building standards in order to achieve the best possible results.

Navigating the world of interior design in Dubai can be a difficult task. Due to the sheer number of designers, finding the right one takes some research, but there are a few things to look out for as a general rule.  It is important to compare elements from each company in order to ensure the most successful office fit-out. TIMELINES A designer should be able complete a project within a desired timeline. Make sure to enter the discussion with an idea of how long you would like the process to take as well as what you’d like to be included. Some companies will be able to provide a ‘Turnkey’ service, which means they are capable of finishing all parts of the project, from design to construction. If you are searching for a designer that can be a one-stop-shop, ask for this level of service. APPROVALS A design company that has been in the region for a while will be up to date on building standards and any approvals required. Noting the age of the company and years of experience is essential to having an office-fit-out that will not only meet your expectations, but the legal requirements as well. Knowledge of design encompasses many facets – does their design follow requirements whilst still using the space to it’s full potential? Does every element have a reason to be there and does that reason reflect your company’s ethos? COMPETENCY Testimonials are vital to the decision making process. When searching for the perfect design team, research their portfolio and understand the strengths of every team member and the company as a whole. Ensure they are not only up to the task at hand and have displayed a strong knowledge of approvals and budgets, but look into their ability to adapt to the core values of their clients – your interior design should reflect your company’s vision.  Note which companies have been referred to in the Commercial Interior Design Magazine, read blogs and articles across the internet that showcase the various design companies of Dubai – a successful and trustworthy company will be mentioned across various mediums. While your search for a design team will require your keen interest and research, it will also require preparation. Have a clear idea of the desired aesthetic and ethos, choose a timescale that would work the best, and have a rough budget in mind. These factors will bring you closer to a perfect match and a positive workplace for all to benefit from.

Small businesses face the unique challenge of prioritizing growth and preservation simultaneously. Finding this delicate balance sometimes means prioritizing your limited budget over your project needs. This is a dangerous choice to make in the current global dynamic. Especially for small businesses located in Dubai where the finest quality is always king. Before choosing the best interior design company for your small business, consider these facts to find the best deal. Naturally, the companies with the most interior design experience in Dubai have the knowledge to best serve their clients. However these companies tend to be larger themselves and that cost is passed on to the customer. Consider instead the companies with the most innovative approach and smaller staff. There are a select few interior design companies who balance experience with innovation in Dubai. Here are the best interior design companies for small businesses. In Dubai the interior design companies which focusing on the WELL standards have the most modern and original approach. WELL standards focus on seven core elements believed essential  for a positive workplace: Air, Water, Nourishment, Light, Fitness, Comfort and Mind. These standards reflect the evolving office which parallels the evolving professional demographic. Today, nearly 80%  Dubai’s professional population  is made up of people under 45 years of age. Therefore It is vital that employers adopt these modern improvements to attract this socially conscious and forward-thinking group of employees. XWorks comes in at the top of the list. Their executive team has nearly 30 years of experience with interior design in Dubai. Currently, they are the one of the only WELL accredited interior design company in Dubai! Xworks experienced the shift in interior design focus first-hand and fully understand the impact a well designed workspace can have on any brand’s business. Xworks takes a holistic approach with their interior design projects. Meaning the workplaces they design stimulate users to interact, move, be open, and engage, essentially creating a thriving workforce. All while upholding the highest standards in energy efficiency and sustainability. The Xworks team is made up of 20 qualified interior design professionals, their tight-knit team prevents them from passing unnecessary staff cost onto the customer. Next in line with over 26 years of experience in interior design in Dubai is BAFCO. Their design team focuses on sustainable solutions that can save the most money. They’ll choose greener fixtures and fittings, use paints and glues that don’t contain the kinds of chemicals that can make you sick, and bring in more natural light and materials. Because they know that good, sustainable office design not only saves the environment, it can also save you money on energy bills. However, unlike Xworks, BAFCO has a team of over 300 employees. Although they’ve a adopted modern approach to interior design it’s hard for a company of that magnitude to fully understand the needs and restrictions of small businesses.

The strongest global businesses are as dynamic as the current professional climate. All over the world, Millennials are quickly dominating professional working environments. This is especially true for Dubai, where 80% of the professional population is made up of people under the age of 45. In order to grow as a global business, companies must attract the best and brightest of this new working generation. What sets this the younger working generation apart the most is their social consciousness and their desire for a work-life balance. Global businesses with modern offices designed to inspire productivity and work-life balance are attracting top-level talent. There are hundreds of hundreds of interior design companies in Dubai. Many of which claim to have a modern approach. How do you ensure your company’s interior design project is in the right hands? Naturally, the companies with the most interior design experience in Dubai have the knowledge to best serve their clients. However many of these companies are still utilizing a classic approach to office interior design. Globally, the most cutting-edge interior design projects follow a set of standards that promote overall well-being. These standards are referred to as WELL. WELL standards focus on seven core elements believed essential  for a positive workplace: Air, Water, Nourishment, Light, Fitness, Comfort and Mind. These standards reflect the evolving office which parallels the evolving professional demographic and need for work-life balance. There are a select few interior design companies who balance experience with modern innovation. To ensure your next project is in the right hands, here are the best interior design companies for global businesses. XWorks lands clearly at the top of the list with nearly 30 years of experience in interior design in Dubai. Currently they are the only WELL accredited interior design company in Dubai! Xworks experienced the shift in interior design focus first-hand and fully understand the impact a well designed workspace can have on any brand’s business. Xworks takes a holistic approach with their interior design projects. Meaning the workplaces they design stimulate users to interact, move, be open, and engage, essentially creating a thriving workforce. All while upholding the highest standards in energy efficiency and sustainability. XWorks is therefore the very best interior design company for global companies in Dubai. Close behind is KPS. KPS has completed many projects over the last 20 years. Their goal is to meet the specific aspirations of each client and to provide workplace solutions that enhance their brand identity, operational efficiency, staff morale and ultimately profitability. Although based in Dubai, KPS is an international company specialising in providing interior construction services within the office, hospitality, retail, food and beverage, technology, education and healthcare sectors. Although they have not received WELL accreditation they are clearly one of the best options for global businesses located in Dubai. Last but not least is HortonTech. Although they were only established in 2012 they’ve quickly grown to one of the best and most innovative interior design companies in Dubai. As a British-led company they are rapidly gaining… Continue reading Best interior design companies for global business: How to ensure your project is in the right hands

Offices throughout the world are changing the way they approach every day work. The landscape of office design is evolving from cubicles and conference rooms to health-friendly and innovative environments shown to improve productivity. Studies are emerging every day noting the benefits of changing design to better reflect a company’s core values as well as the core values of it’s employees. Here is a list of the top 10 trends proven to boost office efficiency in 2017. 1)      Flexible Layouts Utilising space should be a priority when considering your new office fit-out. Large and private conference have become too segregating, and thus designers are instead creating ‘quiet’ spaces within the workplaces, break rooms, glass conference rooms and areas that can be versatile and switch between private and public sections. 2)      Collaborative Furniture An essential part of designing a flexible layout is using furniture that can adapt to new and changing requirements. Think meet-point tables, desk pods, benches that curve and encourage conversation between employees. Collaborative furniture promotes the exchange of ideas and boosts morale in the work place by stimulating the formation of bonds between employees and creating a space where ideas can thrive. 3)      Biophilic Design Bringing the outdoors in decreases the environmental impact of the built environment as well as reconnecting us to the natural world. Being around nature largely impacts our physical and mental well-being.  ‘Studies have shown that our ability to directly access nature can alleviate feelings of stress, promote recovery from mental fatigue, enable better focus, mental stamina and productivity’ This includes exposure to daylight, images of nature, natural materials, and implementing plants and gardens. 4)      Ergonomics In addition to collaborative furniture, consider furniture that will provide workers with comfort. ‘For example, using a laptop on a coffee table from a couch does not support good posture. Neither does cramming your neck while sending an email from a beanbag chair.’ Ergonomics can include adjustable desks and chairs that support your back and the sometimes sedentary life of the office. Using these features can improve productivity by relieving strain and providing comfort. 5)      Technology Technology isn’t about interior design necessarily, but incorporating innovative technology can make the work place more interesting and convenient. Removing wires can allow for flexible layouts, making it easy to take your work anywhere within the new environment. Employees can take their work to a quiet space, or move to a more collaborative region of the space. Using interactive technology like game consoles can bring fun back to the office, which will boost enthusiasm and thus increase productivity. 6)      Movement ‘Latest research confirms that sitting smart, combined with standing and walking options, can have a big impact on worker wellness and productivity.’ Encouraging employees to take the stairs can be one way to wake up a worker’s metabolism, thus having positive impact on their overall health and improving energy levels and productivity. Leading office design team in Dubai, X Works, has set up an internal competition to promote movement. Managing director Kaj Helstrand states, “To achieve the fitness… Continue reading Innovative design in Dubai: 10 trends proven to improve productivity

In recent years office design trends have shifted dramatically, and with Dubai being a global business hub, the need for Interior Design companies has never been more prominent. However, not all companies are created equal, and while Dubai hosts some of the most talented designer teams in the world, it is important to choose one that will reflect your business goals as well as incorporating modern standards that will solidify growth and positive change. Below is a list of things to look for when considering which interior design team should complete your new office fit-out. 1)    ONE-STOP SHOP To save you time and money, it is best to go for a company that can complete all jobs required. This type of design is referred to as a ‘Turnkey’. This means your design company is capable of providing everything from initial design to construction, as well as the finishing touches like furniture, lighting, décor, etc. Regardless of whether you are interested in a full-fit out, a company with these capabilities will be experienced in working with a tight time schedule and budgets, which will ensure a quick turn-around with little time wasted turning your office-space into a modern oasis. 2)    EXPERIENCE A good reputation comes from experience. A company that has been able to withstand the ever-changing design market can be trusted to know the current trends and the benefits of them. Knowledge of the design climate translates to a more efficient and specialized production from conception to completion.  Ask potential designers for an example of previous work – including sizes, styles, budgets and sectors. Most portfolio’s should be available for a preview on their website. Gauge your goal and vision in comparison to their specialty. 3)    WELL & LEED BUILDING STANDARDS WELL Standards are rapidly gaining prominence in Dubai, and the benefits of these sustainable and human-centric designs have been proven to increase employee productivity, engagement and retention WELL focuses on 7 elements: Air, Water, Nourishment, Light, Water, Comfort, & Mind. These standards cover everything from exercise to mindful eating, natural light, and ergonomic furniture. WELL & LEED are pioneering the office design industry and benefiting both employees and the environment. 4)    VALUE FOR MONEY You get what you pay for. Whilst every designer can accommodate a variety of different budgets, it is important to find a company that can provide a valuable experience. Office design has become so vital to the success of a business, cutting corners is not suggested. Find out what the designer can offer you, and make sure you will receive the best your money can buy – Are the chairs conducive to comfort and of the highest quality possible? Will the space encourage conversation and a positive attitude amongst employees?  How long is the turn-around time? These are all elements that should be discussed in the budget. 5)    PROJECT DIVERSTY Designing an office space is about developing the brand aesthetics as much as it is adhering to building standards. Finding a company that can cater to a brand’s… Continue reading Best Interior Design Companies in Dubai: 5 Thing you Need to Know to Compare

Dubai is now trending as one of the top urban professional hubs in the world. Incorporating new innovations can bring all businesses to a level of success that has not been previously imagined. Where there’s a will there’s a way, and leading Dubai office design companies are developing new and inventive ways to boost productivity in the world place. While studies continue to emerge, one thing has remained a constant – the WELL Building Standard. Following the seven pillars of this concept will bring your company to the front line of success, while building a healthy mental and physical health amongst your team. What is WELL? WELL is an ideology, structure and certification process that combines design and construction strategies to create healthy workplaces. WELL focuses on bringing up the quality of buildings, where employees spend the majority of their time.  These building standards have been proven to improve efficiency – something that is a vital force behind any successful business. Below is an explanation of the seven facets of the WELL Standard, and how these developments are proven to increase operational efficiency. 1)    AIR The AIR aspect focuses on removing pollution and increasing fresh air. Smoking bans for e-cigarettes are one example, while bringing in biophilic design can promote oxygen flow. 2)    WATER With recycled-air conditioning units, multiple coffees or caffeinated substances, and deadlines, it’s not surprising that a whopping 75% of people are chronically dehydrated. Dehydration leads to fatigue, which can cause foggy memory, irritability and anxiety – all of which are toxic in any environment! Making sure water is readily available, and even focused on will aid in improving efficiency. Some businesses try filtering their water, or making it Alkaline to boost a number of other health benefits. 3)    NOURISHMENT WELL is human-centered, and doesn’t miss a beat. Nourishing our bodies is the best way to keep us in a state of both mental and physical happiness, which is the easiest way to maintain a positive and productive team. WELL requires the availability of fresh, wholesome foods and limits unhealthy ingredients. 4)    LIGHT The circadian system is a biological process that keeps humans in a 24-hour clock. This internal clock relies heavily upon natural daylight to balance hormones and many other factors. With many offices lit up by fluorescent and other artificial lights, our circadian rhythm can be thrown off. This can cause sleep deprivation and digestion issues, among many other negative effects. It is vital to have natural light or circadian lighting systems to keep your employees bodies working in their natural way. This has unimaginable effects on wellbeing. 5)    FITNESS At least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity five days a week is necessary to achieve optimal health, including weight management and disease prevention. In today’s office world, the majority of people are sedentary. WELL promotes physical activity and implements strategies to put employees in motion where possible. 6)    COMFORT WELL requires designers to produce a distraction-free, productive and comfortable environment. Acoustics, ergonomics, thermal comfort and olfactory… Continue reading Workspace solutions in Dubai: The developments that bring proven operational efficiency

In recent years we have seen an increase in new designs being implemented in offices across the globe. These innovative spaces are inspired by the ever-changing demographics in the current work force. Millennial’s now make up 80% of the professional populations in cities like Dubai, and demand a different type of office space that provides a sense of purpose and contributes to the greater good. In response to this, interior design has had to take a different shape, incorporating nature, fitness and nutrition to promote positivity and productivity. Innovative design is leading the way to success on a global scale. Innovation has emerged under the blanket of physical and mental health, with designs focusing on empowering employees to seek the best in themselves, thus bringing the best to the work place. A prime example of this is the WELL Building standards, which focus on seven concepts that are proven to boost morale and positivity. These seven concepts include: Air, Water, Nourishment, Light, Nourishment, Light, Fitness and Mind. Applying innovations that fit within these sectors is a fail-proof way to watch your business achieve the best results. Thinking globally means thinking human-centred. Designs should tackle issues by looking directly at the needs of the people being designed for and should create new solutions that are made to suit their needs. Applying design to any business should aesthetically reflect a company’s core values, but must also interpret the employee’s needs and answer them through various designs. Is the office too hectic and loud? It might be wise to consider acoustic panels. Is the space balanced enough to provide public and private spaces without segregating anyone? Look into glass panels, or chill-out zones. Are your employees fatigued and under-productive or irritable? Nutrition, fitness, and light should be assessed. Under the WELL standards, global business will thrive. Millenial’s are now considering work-place dynamic’s when on the job-search, which makes innovative office design an effective tool to recruiting, as well as retaining talent and creating a strong sense of identity. Employees should represent the company, and there is no better way to do that than to accurately communicate the core values in the form of design – through art, carefully considered spaces, colour organisation, and furniture. In addition, creating a space that puts the employees well-being first will result in an increase in energy levels and in turn a highly efficient team. Existing in the global business market means making adjustments to the office. Innovative designs are essential should any company wish to remain relevant. Big changes are taking place within the office interior design world, and these changes are trail-blazing the way to a healthier and more productive work place.

How to achieve long term ROI from productivity solutions Due to the evolving professional landscape in cities like Dubai, many companies are considering hiring an interior designer to complete an office fit-out. Inspired by the new wave of millennial workers, modern office design puts a big focus on sustainability and functionality. Designs factor in the environment and place a big importance on the mental and physical wellbeing of their employees. This is reflected in the surge of new building standards such as WELL and LEED, which are “human-centred” designs that build a space to represent the values and belief systems of the company and it’s workers. These designs are proven to increase positivity and productivity in the office and have many other desirable effects. But, how much does this cost? When deciding on a design and working out the cost, you must consider all of the components involved. This will have a direct effect on the affordability of the project. Area/Size of Project Construction Furniture Custom made joinery Aesthetic design WELL Standard Timeline Being prepared to communicate these factors to a designer is very important. Once you have a goal in mind, you will need to calculate two factors: A square meter price and the required square meters. A good base rate is around AED 1,500 per square meter. This price will normally include partitions, ceiling, flooring, MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) and furniture, but the price will vary depending on the choice of materials and requirements of proper indoor climate and environmental standards. When considering any design, think of the long-term impact and don’t cut corners. While having a more aesthetically pleasing office can make a difference, there are many other factors that will bring you a much higher return on investment. The real ROI when choosing to implement a new design is the wellbeing of employees – happy and healthy employees have less sick days, work harder and are more passionate about the work and the brand, thus improving efficiency and profit. Designers that follow the WELL standards will be more knowledgeable of the beneficial effects of an office-fit out and how to create them. Materials and custom-makes will affect the price, but can also bring the design closer to representing the core values of the company. There has never been a better time to re-design your work place. Dubai is the host of many experienced interior designers and there is a high demand for more sustainable and functional offices. Research your design team, have a clear goal in place, and enquire privately for a quote – this will aid you in bringing your work place up to optimal operational efficiency.

When planning out any interior design project, one of the first questions asked is: How much is this going to cost? This may seem like the most important factor, however think instead of potential long-term impact a well designed workplace can have. An interior design project structured on budget alone can end up costing much more than you originally bargained. If you pair your project with a company focused on innovation and efficiency in the workplace your project could end up paying for itself. While having a more aesthetically pleasing office can give your business a much needed boost upfront. Designing a workplace that actually functions better will have a far greater influence on your company’s future. Choosing to implement workplace designs that promote the wellbeing of employees will make all the difference. Happy and healthy employees take fewer sick days, they tend to work harder and feel more passionate about their position within the company. This translates naturally into a more efficient and innovative workplace. Interior Designers that follow the WELL standards will be more knowledgeable of the beneficial effects of an office-fit out and know how to create them. In Dubai the interior design companies which focusing on the WELL standards have the most modern and original approach. WELL standards focus on seven core elements believed essential  for a positive workplace: Air, Water, Nourishment, Light, Fitness, Comfort and Mind. These standards reflect the evolving office which parallels the evolving professional demographic. Today, nearly 80%  Dubai’s professional population  is made up of people under 45 years of age. Therefore It is vital that employers adopt these modern improvements to attract this socially conscious and forward-thinking group of employees. Other factors that determine your interior design budget are: The Area/Size of Project Construction Furniture Custom made joinery Aesthetic design Timeline It’s important to maintain open and honest communication with your interior design company from day one. Although you may have a project budget before speaking with your designer, the project’s eventual success is dependent on a realistic budget. To create a realistic budget you will need to calculate two factors: A square meter price and the required square meters. A good base rate is around AED 1,500 per square meter. This price will normally include partitions, ceiling, flooring, MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) and furniture. Once you understand the cost of the basics it’ll be much easier to plan your entire project. These basics will serve as the building blocks to determine how much your total design project will actually cost.

Workplace analysis is a study that was developed by Rapal Oy in order to discover and assess the efficiency of space usage. The study, which is now a benchmark review, focuses on analysing an office by observing the space including how much each area, chair, etc. is utilized by staff as well as the employees needs and satisfaction rates concerning their environment. Once the data is gathered, a design company can use the findings to create a workplace that reflects the needs and wants of both the company and it’s employees. The analysis also provides another positive result – by discovering exactly how much space an office needs, a company will save money by getting rid of ‘wasted space’. A term that has been introduced over the last decade is “activity-based offices’. Activity-based encompasses workplaces that bring employees together at desks, around collaborative furniture and in open meeting rooms in order to encourage movement and team building. Studies have shown that these offices promote mental and physical health, thus boosting team morale and business performance. By observing the movements of employees, an accurate design approach can be implemented, bringing positive results all around. What defines a space? – Chairs – Desks – Walls – Meeting rooms – Recharging areas – Temporary seats – Couches – Cafeterias – Coffee rooms – Lounges   Whilst all of these elements can contribute to an office, some of them may be unnecessary.  During a workplace analysis all of these areas will be assessed.  During a measurement, activities will also be measured. This allows the designer to learn about what kind of work people do in different work settings, meeting rooms and other spaces. The end goal of a work place analysis to is to ensure efficiency of design. In order to achieve optimal efficiency, there are three stages of a measurement: preparation, performing walkthroughs, and viewing results. Extensive training is given to all those that conduct observational studies in order to ensure that interpretation and gathering of the data is systematic and coherent. It is vital to lead all office designs towards an activity-based workplace, but the style and shape will vary due to differences in work culture, thus the analysis is an important step in deciding what changes need to be made. Activity-Based workplaces also enables “over booking” of work seats and flex-work policies that give employees the freedom to work outside the office, which frees up office space and allows for areas to be utilised in more innovative ways.