As the workforce evolves, organisations must adapt to attract and retain top talent in an increasingly competitive landscape. The transformation of workplace dynamics—shaped by shifts in culture, technology, and employee expectations—has spotlighted the importance of inclusive office design as a tool to foster equality and belonging.
This comprehensive guide explores how to design an office space that celebrates diversity, prioritises accessibility, and empowers a modern workforce to thrive.
What Is Inclusive Office Design
Inclusive office design is an approach to creating workspaces that cater to the diverse needs of employees, ensuring everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to perform at their best. It goes beyond compliance with accessibility standards, focusing on providing an environment that promotes equality, well-being, and collaboration for people of all abilities, backgrounds, and work styles.
It seeks to create a workspace that offers choice, flexibility, and practicality, ensuring no demographic is overlooked. It embraces diversity by addressing the unique needs of all employees, whether neurodiverse individuals, those with physical disabilities, or professionals with varying work styles.
Why is Inclusive Office Design Important?
By embracing inclusivity, organisations can foster a sense of belonging, improve productivity, and reflect their commitment to diversity and equality. In a Deloitte survey of over 1,300 employee’s, 80% said inclusion efforts were an important factor when choosing a company to work for. But, attracting a diverse talent pool is not the only benefit of designing an inclusive office space, it can also aid in improving employee retention, employee mental wellbeing, and productivity.
According to the Penketh Group’s Inclusive Workplaces: The Future of Office Design & Culture report, the findings underscore the critical importance of inclusivity in the workplace. Key statistics reveal that:
- With 72% of people reported wanting to work for an inclusive company
- 66% of 25-34-year olds want more work settings designed to support mental health
- 89% would consider leaving or have left a job due to a lack of inclusive culture and/or facilities
Despite these clear demands, the report highlights significant gaps in workplace inclusivity:
- Over a quarter of workplaces are still lacking wheelchair access
- 31% aged 55+ feel excluded due to a lack of training in new technology
- 40% say their workplace is currently lacking in any space to relax and rejuvenate in a way that would assist mental health
How Inclusive Office Design and Fit-Out Can Foster Workplace Inclusion
Inclusive office design focuses on creating flexible workspaces that accommodate the diverse needs, abilities, and preferences of employees from all backgrounds. Thoughtful interior design can achieve this balance, and ensure environments are functional, welcoming, and supportive.
Here are some key areas and effective approaches to improve inclusivity:
Accessibility Beyond Standards
Under the Equality Act 2010, which incorporates elements of the former Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), providing equal access for all is a legal requirement in the UK. However, creating a workplace that is accessible to people of all physical abilities should go beyond compliance; it should reflect a genuine commitment to inclusivity.
Traditional workspace layouts have been designed with able-bodied individuals in mind. Inclusivity means rethinking these designs to accommodate everyone, regardless of mobility or physical needs.
For example, the width of pathways and corridors is often based on the assumption of two able-bodied individuals passing through, but this configuration may not serve wheelchair users or those with other mobility aids effectively. Now is the time to reassess the accessibility of workspaces, ensuring they are welcoming, functional, and inclusive for all employees.
- Ensure walkways and corridors are wide enough to accommodate two passing wheelchairs.
- Provide height-adjustable desks, counters, and workstations to meet diverse physical needs.
- Place storage units, shelves, and equipment at universally accessible heights.
- Install doors that open automatically for ease of access.
- Include ramps or lifts to ensure accessibility across all areas of the workplace.
Lifestyle and Identity Diversities
Factors such as age, gender identity, sexuality, and religion play a crucial role in creating an environment where every employee feels valued and respected.
Gender Inclusive Facilities
Providing gender-neutral toilets is an essential step towards inclusivity. These facilities can be used by anyone, regardless of their gender identity, and are particularly important for trans and non-binary employees who may feel uncomfortable or excluded by gendered bathrooms.
- Provide gender-neutral toilets to ensure all employees feel comfortable and respected.
- Develop inclusive locker rooms with private changing spaces, unisex access points, and neutral decor.
- Include visible representation of diverse identities in workplace materials and policies to foster a sense of belonging and reflect organisational values.
Supporting Religious and Spiritual Practices
Workplaces should also cater to employees’ spiritual and religious needs by providing multi-faith or reflection rooms. These spaces offer employees a quiet area for prayer, meditation, or contemplation, respecting the diverse beliefs and practices within the workforce. Equipping these rooms with neutral decor and flexible furnishings ensures they are accessible and welcoming to everyone.
- Designate multi-faith or reflection rooms with adjustable lighting, calming decor, and flexible furnishings like folding chairs or mats for prayer or meditation.
- Include neutral, minimalist design elements to ensure the space feels welcoming to individuals of all faiths and practices.
Supporting Parents and Caregivers
Workplaces should consider the unique needs of parents and caregivers, supporting these employees ensures they can balance their personal and professional responsibilities effectively.
- Provide suitable breastfeeding rooms, equipped with comfortable seating, electrical outlets, and refrigeration for milk storage.
- Offer flexible working arrangements, such as remote work options or adjustable hours, to accommodate caregiving responsibilities, and ensure office spaces reflect those working arrangements.
Neurodiversity
Research reveals that 44% of 25-34-year-olds lack access to private workspaces, which are vital for neurodivergent individuals, introverts, and anyone requiring a quiet environment for focused tasks.
Around 15% of the population are neurodivergent, encompassing conditions like Attention Deficit Disorders, Autism, Dyslexia, and Dyspraxia. Neurodivergent employees bring valuable strengths to the workplace, including unique perspectives, innovative thinking, and creative problem-solving abilities. With such a significant portion of the population represented, organisations must focus on designing work environments that celebrate neurodiversity, support mental well-being, and enable every employee to reach their full potential.
- Ensure soundproof, private areas are available for focused and distraction-free work.
- Provide quiet spaces where employees can manage sensory input or find moments of calm.
- Introduce flexible workstations that can be adjusted for personal comfort and physical needs.
- Provide temperature-controlled zones to suit varying sensory preferences.
- Ensure workstations include accessible technology and assistive tools to support diverse needs.
Quiet working booths are a staple in co-working spaces, but they’re equally valuable in traditional office environments, providing a focused and distraction-free workspace.
The Business Case for Inclusive Office Design
Incorporating inclusive office design goes beyond improving employee satisfaction—it also delivers measurable business benefits, as supported by research:
- Increased Productivity: A study by Savills UK revealed that 65% of employees believe that if their current office design matched their ideal workplace, it would increase their productivity.
- Reduced Absenteeism: Research indicates that poor office conditions, such as inadequate lighting and noise pollution, are major contributors to employee sick days.
Practical Steps to Implement Inclusive Office Design
Now that we’ve explored how inclusive office design and fit-outs can foster workplace inclusion, you might be wondering where to begin. Redesigning your office to promote inclusivity starts with thoughtful planning and collaboration. Here’s how to get started:
- Conduct employee surveys to understand design gaps, identify priorities, and gather valuable feedback.
- Create a comprehensive plan that outlines how your office will meet the diverse needs of your workforce.
- Partner with experienced inclusive design specialists to bring your vision to life, creating adaptable, functional, and welcoming spaces tailored to your team’s unique requirements.
At HE Interiors, we’re passionate about transforming workplaces into inclusive environments where everyone can thrive. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you.
