Inclusivity as a value should be a top priority in every aspect of our lives, including our workplaces. Workplaces are melting pots of ideas, with employees from diverse backgrounds collaborating on projects. Thus, it is essential to make each employee feel valued and appreciated.

Let’s face it- nobody thrives in a place where they feel like a background extra. When people feel valued for who they are, they’re more likely to bring their A-game—and that means better ideas, more collaboration, and way less awkward small talk by the coffee machine. Moreover, it gives your company’s reputation a serious boost, making it easier to connect with all kinds of markets and audiences.

Inclusive workplace design can work wonders to accommodate the varying needs of different employees. It’s all about making sure the environment matches the diverse ways people work, think, and interact. An office designed with inclusivity in mind becomes more than just a place to work—it becomes a mecca of innovation, creativity, and collaboration, where every voice has a seat at the table (or, the standing desk!).

Let us dive deeper into the various ways you can create a Truly Inclusive Workplace:

One “Working Style” Doesn’t Fit All

Not all employees work in the same way. Some need absolute silence to concentrate, while others thrive in a bustling environment. Why should we design offices as if everyone works the same?

Inclusive workplace design is about making every employee feel at home. It recognizes individual differences and quirks, creating spaces that allow everyone to thrive and innovate. Furthermore, as reported by Work Design Magazine, employees in inclusive work environments are 83% more likely to feel engaged.

Actionable Insights:

• Provide a range of work environments such as standing desks, collaborative zones, quiet focus rooms, and casual seating areas like sofas. This allows employees to select the space that best suits their task or working style.
• Include desks with adjustable height, a variety of seating options (e.g., chairs with armrests, benches), and adjustable monitor arms to support different body types and postures.
• Create break areas with flexible lighting and noise control for employees to relax, eat, or socialize in environments that fit their personal preferences for stimulation.
• Provide opportunities for employees to personalize their workspace. This can be as simple as assigning them a desk where they can control light, seating, and temperature preferences.
• Design spaces that balance open, collaborative areas for teamwork with more private, secluded spots for focused, individual work.
  

• Incorporate flexible scheduling options into the design, with spaces that accommodate different energy levels throughout the day, whether people are early birds or night owls.
• Hybrid workplaces need adaptable spaces with seamless technology for virtual collaboration, plus areas that foster in-person teamwork. This ensures both remote and on-site employees stay engaged and connected.

Access To All

People with disabilities face a significant employment gap, with only 19.1% employed compared to 65% of non-disabled individuals, as per studies. Therefore, creating accessible environments is crucial to bridging this gap and providing more employment opportunities.

Accessibility shouldn’t be just a buzzword; a bias-free, accessible workspace is the need of the hour. When designing a workplace with accessibility in mind, it’s all about making sure everyone can get around easily and comfortably.

Actionable Insights:

• Ensure all entry and exit points are wheelchair accessible, with ramps and automatic doors where needed.
• Design wide corridors, clear pathways, and sufficient turning space for mobility devices.
• Install elevators and/or lifts that accommodate wheelchairs and are easy to use.
• Use clear, large-print signage for navigation.
• Consider implementing Braille signage to ensure accessibility for employees with visual impairments.
• Ensure that your digital content (e.g., websites, software) complies with accessibility standards like WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines).
• Design emergency exits and evacuation routes that are accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities.
• Provide visual and auditory alarm systems to ensure all employees are aware of emergencies.
• Implement soundproofing or noise-canceling measures to accommodate employees with hearing impairments or sensitivities.

Culture Cubes

Image Courtesy: LinkedIn, Bengaluru

Accommodating Cultural Diversity in workspaces isn’t just about aesthetics- it’s a game changer for creating dynamic and inclusive environments. In a workspace where people from diverse cultures meet and exchange ideas, it is essential to address and celebrate an individual’s unique cultural perspectives.

Actionable Insights:

• Incorporate artwork and decor from various cultures to create a visually inclusive environment.
• Consider provisions for religious or cultural practices, such as prayer rooms or meditation areas.
• Provide multilingual signs and information to ensure everyone can easily navigate and understand the space.

Neutral Grounds

The global news is filled with instances of workplace sexism, stereotypes, and gender bias; in such an environment, it is crucial to make your employees feel safe and valued, irrespective of their gender identity, sexual orientation, etc.

Actionable Insights:

• Providing gender-neutral restrooms is a simple yet impactful way to ensure that employees feel comfortable using facilities without being forced into binary categories.
• Changing rooms, nursing rooms, and wellness areas should also be accessible and neutral, promoting respect for all identities.
• Use inclusive language in any workplace signage, avoiding gendered terminology or imagery that could reinforce stereotypes.
• Ensure private spaces for sensitive conversations like HR meetings, personal discussions, or mentoring sessions, ensuring employees are acoustically treated so that employees feel safe and confident their concerns are confidential.

Neuro-Diverse Nirvana

Image Courtesy: Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Bengaluru

Diverse minds operate on diverse wavelengths, and that’s where the magic happens! In a workplace that thrives on unique perspectives, neurodiverse employees bring creativity, innovation, and fresh ways of thinking. Whether it’s finding comfort in a quiet nook or thriving in collaborative spaces, every work style is embraced. By celebrating these differences, the environment becomes a place where every individual’s strengths shine, making the team even stronger.

Within neurodiversity, sensory sensitivities can vary widely, often falling into two broad categories: hypersensitive and hyposensitive personas. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for designing inclusive workspaces that cater to a wide range of sensory needs.

Actionable Insights:

For Hypersensitive Personas, who experience under-sensitivity to sensory input, require more stimulation to feel engaged or focused.

• Create dynamic work zones with vibrant colors, and textures, like open collab or semi-collab spaces, and stimulating artwork or interactive elements to keep their senses engaged.
• Introduce collaborative spaces with higher energy levels, background music, or vibrant lighting that fosters a sense of activity and stimulation.
• Offer standing desks, fidget tools, or textured seating to provide more physical and sensory engagement.

For Hypersensitive Personas, who experience heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli like noise, light, touch, or even strong smells

• Provide quiet rooms or low-stimulation zones, like phone booths and huddle spaces, with softer lighting, acoustic treatment, and minimal visual distractions.
• Use neutral, calming colors and avoid harsh lighting to create a soothing environment.
• Equip workstations with noise-canceling solutions and give employees the ability to adjust their surroundings to reduce sensory overload.

Designing the Future Office Today

Let’s be real – no one thrives in a cookie-cutter office that doesn’t consider their employees’ individuality. When employees are given the tools and spaces they need to shine, creativity and collaboration take the wheel. Plus, a truly inclusive office doesn’t just boost morale – it propels innovation and boosts your company’s reputation.

The future of work is inclusive. Let’s build it together by designing spaces that reflect our commitment to diversity and equality.

Connect with our design and strategy experts at Zyeta today!

Similar Reads:

Why Are Inclusive Workplaces Important to nurture a Diverse Workforce? | Part 1

An Introduction to All-Inclusive Design