Thousands of people across the Gulf are trying to strike a balance between their work and home lives and a well-designed ‘home office’ leads to maximum productivity and lifestyle balance, say experts.

More than 200,000 laptops were sold throughout the UAE in the last three months of 2007 alone while handheld devices are also becoming commonplace. But it can still be difficult to find a place in a hectic home to work.

“The home office is fundamental to a ‘work-life balance’ in Dubai,” said Pauly Jos, furniture sales manager with the UAE’s leading office furnishings retailer, Ofis.

“Sales show that high-quality, comfortable office furniture encourages greater, more productive work from home,” he added.

Experts say that key factors in ensuring a successful ‘home office’ include creating a dedicated workspace, ensuring that there is adequate and pleasant lighting, and allowing for a noise-free environment.

Ofis is the only UAE supplier of major international brands including Ergo, Interface, Benel, DVO, Zuco, and Bosse.

Ofis supplies many major companies across the Middle East, including Norr Group, Burthill, KCA, WA International, Design Design, Broadway Interiors, Holford Asso, RMJM, BSBG, City Space, HSBC, Mashreq Bank, Citi Bank, Union National Bank, Shell, Unilever, DHL and Dubai Airport. – TradeArabia News Service