You have dedicated considerable effort to creating an appealing office environment. It is thoughtfully designed, lively, practical and comfortable. It is a space you proudly showcase, where employees feel content to spend their time. But how can you ensure that your office space accommodates everyone? What does inclusivity in the workplace entail, and how can you fully realise it?
Inclusivity is an increasingly important subject in the realm of designing managed offices. Organisations are taking greater steps to intentionally create and equip practical and inviting spaces for all individuals as environments evolve and become more advanced.
With only 4% of global enterprises concentrating on disability inclusion, there exists a remarkable opportunity to take the lead. This guide will reveal the strategies for creating a managed office atmosphere where every employee feels appreciated, empowered and poised to share their unique skills for your organisation’s success.
- Rethink Hallways and Doors for Comfortable Movement
Ensure that wide doorways and corridors of your managed office are designed for effortless navigation. Begin by evaluating the dimensions of doorways and corridors to accommodate employees of all capabilities. Strive for doorways with a minimum width of 32 inches to fit wheelchairs comfortably, and ensure that corridors provide sufficient space for movement. Avoid any obstacles or clutter that could impede navigation, and implement flooring surfaces that are level and slip-resistant.
Besides physical measurements, the positioning and design of doors should be considered to improve accessibility further. Go for lever-style door handles instead of knobs, as they are easier to use for employees with limited hand dexterity. Where possible, install automatic door openers to offer greater convenience and independence for users.
- Support Employees with Thoughtful and Ergonomic Furniture Choices
Height-adjustable chairs and desks are vital ergonomic elements that accommodate employees working in managed offices with varied preferences or abilities. These furniture solutions let individuals customise their workspace for standing, sitting, or added support.
Height-adjustable desks can be modified to suit individuals of different heights. They are also ideal for people preferring to alternate between standing and sitting all day long. Moreover, adjustable chairs featuring lumbar support, height modification, and armrests can provide comfort and postural support for all employees.
- Create Restrooms That Speak the Language of Inclusion
Accessible restrooms in managed offices should be fitted with accessible basins, grab bars, and toilet cubicles that can accommodate wheelchairs and allow for sufficient space for movement.
Rest areas should also feature suitable seating choices, such as chairs with armrests and back support for employees with mobility impairments or fatigue. Accessible amenities like these ensure that all employees enjoy essential comforts with dignity and independence.
- Light Up Your Office with Purposeful Design and Sound Harmony
Sufficient lighting and acoustics are crucial for establishing a comfortable and accessible work environment for employees with varying sensory requirements. Bright, evenly distributed illumination in managed offices helps visually impaired individuals navigate their surroundings safely and comfortably while alleviating eye strain and fatigue.
Moreover, managing ambient noise levels and reducing echoes can benefit employees with auditory sensitivities or disabilities. Employers can accomplish this by incorporating adjustable lighting fixtures, sound-absorbing materials, and thoughtful layout designs to foster an environment accommodating all sensory needs.
- Empower Navigation with Braille and Tactile Signage
Braille signage is pivotal in aiding navigation and communication for individuals with visual impairments or who are blind. Implementing braille signage throughout the workplace helps you offer vital information in a format that is accessible to all. Place Braille signage in key office areas like hallways, entrances, room entries, and restrooms to help employees navigate independently.
Place signage thoughtfully at eye level and maintain consistent placement throughout the managed office space to offer clear directional guidance. Keep signage well-illuminated and unobstructed to improve readability, especially for employees with visual impairments. Consistent signage helps employees and visitors navigate the office and locate key areas like restrooms, meeting rooms, and break areas easily.
Tactile markings on doors, as well as room identifiers, are essential accessibility features as well. Raised symbols or lettering serve as tactile indicators that people can feel by touch. This enables employees to recognise and find key areas within the office. Install tactile markings on frames or door handles to signify room entries, room identifiers, and lift buttons to denote floor numbers. Consider employing textures or high-contrast colours to improve readability for employees with low vision.
- Facilitate Workplace Success with Service Animal Support
Permitting service animals, like guide dogs, in managed offices is vital for employees with disabilities who rely on their animals for assistance or support. Trainers teach service animals to guide individuals who are blind or alert individuals who are deaf to sounds.
Allowing service animals in the office ensures employees with disabilities have equal opportunities and the support they need to work effectively.
Embrace Diversity Today with Managed Office Solutions
Establishing an accessible and inclusive office environment is more than just simply adhering to regulations. Instead, it is completely about nurturing a workplace environment where employees and visitors feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. Using the strategies in this guide can help you create an inclusive space that values diversity and maximizes your workforce’s potential.
DevX, a premier provider of managed offices, can assist you at every process stage. Get in touch with DevX today to discover more about their proficiency in creating and executing inclusive and accessible office solutions that cater to your distinct requirements.