Posted by Gilbert on Jun 20, 2010 in
Office Furniture Accessibility and Openness is a culture promoted by Open Plan Office Layout.
Great leaders are working as part of the team in a open plan workstation type environment rather than the traditional glass enclosed corner offices as emphasized in this article by Steve Tobak:
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg runs the city much like the namesake company he founded, using a bullpen where everyone sits together in a large open room like a Wall Street trading floor. He presumably learned the practice as a trader at Salomon Brothers. It’s designed to promote accountability and accessibility.
Meg Whitman, who recently won the republican nomination for governor of California, grew eBay from a young startup to an Internet giant from an eight-by-eight foot cubicle. But the practice of moving top executives out of the corner office and into cubicles probably began with Intel CEO Andy Grove.
In a 2001 speech, Carlene Ellis, Intel’s former vice president of human resources, credits the company’s much copied corporate culture with Grove’s fervent belief that everyone be treated the same:
The Andy Grove I know is a leader who is open, honest, and direct. Andy has nurtured an egalitarian culture at Intel. A lot of people talk about it; he does it. There are no executive perks at Intel; no executive dining rooms, no executive washrooms, no special places to park. And we all work in a company where Andy Grove’s cubicle – which I think is about eight-by-nine – is just like everybody else’s.
That open environment that everybody jokes about – it is the essence of that open environment that allows people to communicate directly and solve problems in a collaborative fashion.
In fact, Intel’s model has been replicated at dozens of successful companies in Silicon Valley and beyond.
Source: http://blogs.bnet.com/ceo/?p=4821&tag=nl.e713
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chuvaness/4714312375/
Posted by Gilbert on Jun 2, 2010 in
Office Furniture 
Congratulations to BAFCO Team!!
We got the official certificate from Bureau Veritas today for our ISO 9001:2008 upgrade.
This ISO certification upgrade is yet another step in ensuring that our products and services consistently meet and exceed the expectations of our customers. Quality has been a cornerstone of BAFCO since its inception in 1991 and this certification reinforces our dedication and commitment to provide our customers with state-of-the-art, high-quality products and fitout services. The BAFCO team takes great pride in achieving this significant credential, as it reinforces our company’s quality system as being among the best-of-class.
To be certified to this ISO standard, companies must implement a quality management system embracing all of the activities within the company. These include staff training, meeting customer expectations, designing and developing products, purchasing materials and services, and delivering products and services. Certification to ISO 9001:2008 reinforces to our customers, through an independent third-party such as Bureau Veritas, that BAFCO operates a quality management system in accordance with the strict ISO standard. While BAFCO has always made the quality of its products and meeting customer expectations a priority, we welcomed the opportunity that ISO certification presented to benchmark our internal processes versus the industry’s best practices. This caused us to improve and upgrade many aspects of our business methodology in handling all aspects of the customer experience. Continuously improving not only the product offering but the entire customer experience is key to driving lasting sustainable growth for our company worldwide. Earning the ISO 9001:2008 certification assures our customers of the commitment we have to serving them with excellence. This major milestone is critical to BAFCO because our customers correctly view ISO 9001:2008 certification as a way of ensuring the quality and reliability of our products in the global marketplace.
About ISO 9000:
ISO 9000 is a family of standards for quality management systems. ISO 9000 is maintained by ISO, the International Organization for Standardization and is administered by accreditation and certification bodies. ISO 9001:2008 certification recognizes organizations that link business objectives with operating effectiveness. Companies that achieve certification to ISO 9001:2008 have demonstrated effective implementation of documentation and records management, senior management’s commitment to their customers, and a continued willingness to improve quality of their products. For more information, please visit http://www.iso.org/iso/iso_catalogue.htm
Posted by Gilbert on Jun 1, 2010 in
Office Furniture 
Posted by Gilbert on Mar 24, 2010 in
Green Initiative
Last year in our small little ways, BAFCO participated for the first time in EARTH HOUR. And this 2010, we hope to not only participate but also to influence others and initiate awareness about the impact of human activities on our planet.
Everyone has an opinion on the state of our world and the impact of human activities on its sustainability. While we may not all agree on the specifics, every person on our planet has a common interest to save the world — it is our home, after all.
We are asking everyone here in the UAE to switch off all non-essential lights from 8.30pm to 9.30pm on 27th March 2010, to send a message and join the campaign around the world that says we have the power to take action against global warming and by working together we can make a huge difference.
Earth Hour Website
“Earth Hour is a powerful symbol of what can be achieved through individual action on a global scale, with the whole world coming together in a response to tackle climate change. In the UAE we are keen to grasp the momentum generated by this global occasion.”
Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Managing Director, Emirates Wildlife Society – WWF
In 2008, more than 50 million people in 400 cities around the world took part.
In 2009, over 4000 cities in 88 countries officially switched off their lights to support the planet, making Earth Hour the world’s largest global climate change initiative.
In 2010, let us stand up and be counted by turning off all unnecessary lights for one hour. Let’s unite for Earth Hour.
Please pass along this message to your colleagues and friends.
>> Learn more what you can do to support the Earth Hour.
Posted by Gilbert on Mar 15, 2010 in
Green Initiative Below is a funny take of USA Today on the challenges and realities of the green movement.
Posted by Gilbert on Mar 14, 2010 in
Office Furniture To keep your metabolism going strong and to prevent overeating, it’s important to have a healthy snack around every three to four hours. If you are at home, it’s fairly easy, but what about at work or in between client meetings between Deira and Dubai Media City.
Here are some ideas for portable healthy snacks, to keep you healthy and productive:
In Your Car:
* Almonds (unsalted preferably)
* Animal crackers
* Fruit snacks
* Graham crackers
* Mixed nuts
Your Desk Drawer at the Office:
* Canned fruit
* Fruit (apples has the longest life span)
* Instant oatmeal
* Canned shakes (e.g. Carnation Instant Breakfast, Slim-Fast)
* Microwave soup cups (broth-based and low sodium preferably)
* Peanut butter and whole grain crackers
In the Mini-Fridge at the Office:
* Egg (hard-boiled ahead of time)
* Low-fat or non-fat yogurt
* Single serving orange juice bottles
* Single serving tomato juice cans
* Sliced veggies and reduced-fat salad dressing
In Your Handbag or Backpack:
* Baked or reduced-fat potato chips in a zipper bag
* Baked tortilla chips in a zipper bag
* Cereal (low sugar preferably) in a zipper bag
* Cereal bar
* Granola bar
* Mixed nuts in a zipper bag
* Popcorn (preferably air-popped) in a zipper bag
* Pretzels in a zipper bag
* Raisin mini boxes
If you have other proven healthy snacks, please do share them in our comments.
Posted by Ian on Jan 17, 2010 in
Ergonomic Tips Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is completely avoidable and there is some amazing technology available to ensure activities as simple as mouse clicking will not immobilise you, says Gilbert Griño at BAFCO Ergonomics, a division of UAE-based corporate interior solutions specialist BAFCO.
Research has shown over a million workers in the US lose days to RSI every year. It may be true that you’re more likely to kill yourself operating heavy machinery or crab fishing in Alaska, but who would have thought sitting at a desk could be so dangerous.
Many sufferers complain to doctors that they have a feeling similar to a nail piercing their hand, and these are sufferers of Bilateral Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, which can be caused by prolonged periods sitting at a poorly devised computer set up. It can take surgery to correct this condition, and there are many other examples of avoidable RSIs.
Here are some tips to keep 2010 RSI-free:
Helping hands and arms: The act of typing and clicking may not involve much exertion, but if your hands are in the wrong position then over time mere finger work can tax muscles, tendons and nerves. As you type, your wrist and hand should extend straight from your elbow and parallel to the floor. This can be achieved by tilting the keyboard away from you so the space bar is higher than the letters. Also, keyboards that separate the right and left hands are more accommodating than traditional ones that force the wrists into an unnatural position. BAFCO offers the Ergonomic Mouse from Humanscale, which is specifically designed to fit your hand and take the stress out of ‘mousing’. Traditional mouse designs force you to grip the mouse between your thumb and little finger, which can strain the more delicate muscles in your hand and wrist. By relaxing your hand it allows the bigger, stronger muscles in your arm to handle the stress of repetitive movement.
Protecting your eyes: Even those who spend as little as two hours a day in front of a monitor can suffer from Computer Vision Syndrome, a cluster of symptoms, including eyestrain, blurred vision, headaches and dry, irritated eyes. A visor or an anti-reflection shield can also help, as can the use of blinds and dimming room lights to reduce screen glare. Specifically designed for today’s flat panel LCD monitors, our Humanscale Flat Panel Filters are easy to install and provide exceptional eye protection benefits.
Helping your neck: You should place your monitor directly in front of you so you don’t need to turn your head to see it.. When using a laptop in the office, elevate it to eye level and use a separate keyboard to type. Our rather cool Humanscale laptop holders do the job perfectly as it lets you adjust the display to the right height and offers a built-in document holder. Each holder requires the use of an external keyboard and mouse, which promotes healthy postures and ensures you’ll have desktop comfort along with laptop portability.
Back to basics: If you put in long hours at your desk, then investment in a top quality ergonomic chair could help protect your back and make your life just a bit more comfortable. You can reduce the load on your spine by keeping your thighs away from your torso and parallel to the floor. The Liberty ergonomic chair by Humanscale even comes with form-sensing mesh technology that offers perfect lumbar support for everyone without external devices or manual adjustments.
The fitter you are in general, the less likely you are to develop an RSI. So don’t spend your leisure time at home surfing the net in the same positions as the office. Also, stay active when not at your desk, and take frequent breaks when you are. Even a walk around the office can help promote circulation and ease strained muscles.
Posted by Gilbert on Dec 31, 2009 in
Ergonomic Tips,
Green Initiative 
For many New Year is the time for personal resolutions of varying degrees of difficulty, ranging from beginning a diet, to stopping smoking, or even just being nicer to friends and family. However, Mervin De le Torre, interior designer at leading UAE-based corporate interior solutions specialist BAFCO, explains why our resolutions needn’t be restricted to the home.
“Most of us spend so much of our lives in the office that we should consider choosing some resolutions for the workplace that can help the environment and even save our company some money along the way. As office specialists, we had a brainstorm among our team and have come up with ten of the best tips to consider as office resolutions for 2010,” says De le Torre.
1. IT’S COOL TO BE A LITTLE WARMER
Once you’ve adjusted your air conditioning to the temperature you prefer, turn it back up by just 2 or 3 degrees. You’ll hardly know the difference, but it will make a big difference to your consumption. This two degree difference can save the company over Dh 500* a year. Also remember to turn your AC off when you leave the office.
2. BE BRIGHT AND SAVE MONEY
Energy saving light bulbs are much more efficient than the traditional version and last up to ten times longer. Next time your company needs to replace a bulb, recommend they take the energy saving option. The average office can save a very worthwhile Dh 806* over the year by making this switch.
3. CHOOSE FLEXIBLE OFFICE FURNITURE
Always consider products with highly flexible options as offices tend to change and adapt to newer technology, manpower and market conditions. Demountable partitions, open plan workstations, glass partitions, heavy duty ergonomic chairs are a must for any modern office.
4. DON’T STANDBY – SWITCH OFF AND UNPLUG
If you leave your computer on standby overnight it uses almost as much electricity as it does when switched on. Remember to turn it off and unplug. You should also consider switching off monitors, printers, fax machines and copiers during lengthy breaks away from your desk.
5. ONLY USE ESSENTIAL LIGHTING
We enjoy plenty of sun here in the Middle East, so allow natural outdoor light to illuminate the office. Turn off non-essential and decorative lighting, particularly in unoccupied areas. Use ‘task’ lighting, such as angle-poise lamps, to directly illuminate specific work areas instead of brighter ‘area’ lighting.
6. GET YOUR RATINGS RIGHT - LOOK FOR ENERGY STAR
Most office appliances these days have an energy-efficiency rating. If buying, make the choice that’s the most energy efficient and always ask the supplier if they have this information. When purchasing PCs, monitors, printers, fax machines and copiers, consider Energy Star models that automatically power down after a period of inactivity. Also, use laptop computers wherever possible as they consume 90 per cent less energy than desktop computers.
7. GOING OUT? THEN TURN IT OFF!
Get into the simple habit of switching lights off whenever you leave a room.
8. DETECT OFFICE MOTION
Install motion detectors or dimmers to control lighting in frequently unoccupied areas, such as restrooms. It is also a simple job for an electrician to re-wire restroom fans to operate with the lights.
9. AUTOMATE LIGHTING SIGNAGES
Install time clocks or photoelectric cells to control exterior lighting, advertising sign lighting and some interior lighting.
10. KEEP COOL AND INSTALL BLINDS
It is not only enhance the design of your office but adding blinds, solar screens or shades to your office actually helps cool down the office.
Posted by Gilbert on Dec 21, 2009 in
Ergonomic Tips 
The great thing about laptops and netbooks: You can use them anywhere. The downside: If you spend a lot of time in the wrong position, you’re in for a world of RSI pain.
The illustration above—from weblog Core77′s netbook case study—highlights ten common usage positions and the pain points you’re asking for down the road with each. (No one wants glowing red joints!) Interestingly, the most comfortable position, according to the study, is position #2 above: lying down with the device slightly elevated on the user’s thigh with bent knees. Now if only you could convince your boss that working from bed is a good idea.
Case Study: Freescale Netbook Design at SCAD, by Dave Malouf [Core77 via Gizmodo]
Posted by Ian on Dec 7, 2009 in
UAE Market Just when the economy’s really picking up and companies look towards building momentum again to hit the recovery rollercoaster running, then Dubai World seems to throw a proverbial spanner in the works. However, it has been vehemently argued from the very top of UAE government that any financial difficulties faced by departments of Dubai World are independent from any reported national ‘crisis’ of the country and should not be treated as such.
Even during the worst periods of the economic slump, across the city Dubai and the UAE didn’t appear to be hit quite as hard as the rest of the world. It’s plain to see that Dubai, with its strategic position and enviable infrastructure now in place, will come through these uncertain times in a typically quick and dynamic fashion.
We at BAFCO believe the world of interior design and office furniture is an excellent indicator of real confidence in an economy. Which company boss who thinks his business might be going under would seriously be considering fitting out their office with the very best products the market has to offer?
During the half of 2009, BAFCO was experiencing the same lack of new business as any other interior and furniture firm and sales were admittedly very poor – amongst the worst in nearly 20 years of operation. However, orders are now pouring in, with three times as many sales in Q3 as the total sales for the first half of the year.
We think the rocketing sales figures are largely down to general confidence among company owners in their future here in the UAE. It is these forward thinking companies that will make the most of economic recovery and any resulting boom period. These are the same companies who are currently active in the market, taking advantage of lower sales and rental prices, looking for bigger premises in better locations and spending some of their savings fitting out their new spaces to position themselves above their competitors, attract the best new employees and keep the cream of their incumbent teams – who they have held onto during the leanest times.
Some of the world’s top products have been launched during recessions and we at BAFCO believe that the UAE’s top companies will be the ones who invest now in order to rise from the recession and surpass their competitors.
