Why Is it important to Create Inclusive Spaces

Workplaces and professional settings have changed significantly in recent years. Long gone are the days of the dusty old office – workplaces today are bright, spacious and conducive to collaborative, creative work among highly engaged employees.

Modern workspaces now also need to consider the importance of inclusivity and accessibility to the employees of today. Workforces are more diverse than ever as it includes the younger generations who value diversity and inclusivity. This can and should be reflected in workspaces themselves; they should be inclusive and meet the needs of the modern employee, be that through accessibility requirements or the facilitation of hybrid working.
In this guide, we’ll discuss what defines an inclusive workspace, why they are so important and how employers can design an inclusive working environment that will modernise their business.

What is an Inclusive Space?

An inclusive workspace is one that is welcoming to all regardless of background, race, gender or identity. These spaces are a supportive environment where employees feel comfortable being themselves, without fear of prejudice or differential treatment.
There are three key pillars to inclusivity in the workplace. These are:

• Diversity – A workforce of people from different backgrounds
• Inclusion – Offering equal opportunities and ensuring everyone feel welcome
• Accessibility – Ensuring workspaces are user-friendly and accessible to all, particularly people with disabilities

So, what might an inclusive space look like? There are different approaches employers can take to improve inclusivity standards. Examples of inclusive spaces in offices can include breakout spaces and quiet rooms, where employees can take breaks and unwind, accessible, user-friendly workstations and multi-faith rooms for employees of different religious backgrounds.

Why Inclusive Office Spaces Matter

The key to success as an employer is getting the very best from your team. Creating inclusive spaces can help you achieve this while also offering a number of additional benefits.

Boosting Employee Well-being & Mental Health
Inclusive spaces can create a sense of belonging. Your employees will feel valued, appreciated, and more comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings. This can improve well-being and mental health which can boost morale and productivity. This can also make them feel more satisfied in their role and you could see improved retention rates.

Encouraging Collaboration & Innovation
Employee collaboration is absolutely critical regardless of the industry you are in. Inclusive spaces nurture a collaborative atmosphere and encourage everyone to share ideas and support one another. These team-focused environments are key to driving innovation and could be what your business needs to reach to the next level.

Enhancing Productivity
It’s an old cliché to say that happy employees are productive employees, but this is still true today. By improving inclusivity and promoting diversity and accessibility, employee morale and satisfaction levels will see a significant boost. This is reflected in productivity levels. Comfortable employees in accessible workspaces will be more focused and experience lower levels of stress and burnout.

Attracting and Retaining Talent
Attracting the top talent is essential for any business to succeed. Studies have shown that the modern workforce prioritises values of diversity and inclusion and people want to work for companies that share these values. Creating an inclusive environment will make your business more attractive to top talent in your industry which will give you an invaluable edge over your competitors.

Legal & Ethical Responsibility
As well as benefits in terms of employee well-being, innovation and talent acquisition, inclusive spaces can also ensure your business does not fall foul of laws and regulations regarding accessibility compliance and corporate social responsibility. Discriminating against protected characteristics can have serious legal ramifications for an organisation which means it’s vital that your business is embracing inclusivity at every opportunity.

Key Elements of an Inclusive Workspace
Now that we’ve covered what inclusive spaces are and why they matter, let’s take a look at some specific examples of inclusive workspaces.

Flexible Workstations
Your workstations must be flexible and accessible for employees with different ability needs. Things like adjustable desks, ergonomic chairs and wheelchair-accessible setups are all vital. Your employees should feel comfortable using their tools and equipment regardless of their physical requirements, and their station should have no negative impact on productivity.

Sensory-Inclusive Design
Inclusive spaces must give consideration to employees with different sensory requirements. This can include quiet zones where staff can decompress and varied lighting to mitigate the risk of sensory overload, headaches and eye strain. Employers should also think about the colours present in a space and how this can impact on staff emotionally and psychologically.

Accessible Facilities
Facilities should also be accessible and user-friendly. Step-free entranceways, accessible bathrooms and meeting rooms can all help make your space more inclusive and welcoming for disabled staff.

Cultural & Neurodiversity Considerations
Having a diverse team means your employees will have different backgrounds, working styles and commitments. Inclusive working environments must cater to these differences and have equipment, systems and protocols in place to ensure everyone feels welcome. Speak to your team and work together to improve cultural and neurodiversity standards in your workplace.

Technology & Digital Accessibility
The technical tools and equipment your employees use should be designed with accessibility in mind and should be usable by everyone, regardless of physical ability. Look at providing supportive measures such as screen readers, voice activated controls and captioned video meetings.

Accessible Facilities
Facilities should also be accessible and user-friendly. Step-free entranceways, accessible bathrooms and meeting rooms can all help make your space more inclusive and welcoming for disabled staff.

How to Design an Inclusive Office Space

Designing an inclusive office space can sound like a big undertaking. To help you get the ball rolling and to minimise any potential disruption to your business, we’ve put together some actionable steps below:

• Speak to your team and hear how they feel your workspace could be more inclusive. Remember to keep these conversations confidential and treat them with respect.
• Remove unnecessary physical barriers that could cause accessibility issues in entranceways, exits and office spaces.
• Dedicate quiet spaces and rest points to support those with sensory and mobility issues.
• Offer multi-faith prayer rooms to help those with different faiths feel more welcome.
• Ensure the equipment you provide is accessible and user friendly.
• Work with a workplace interior design team to maximise the benefits of an inclusive working environment.

There are a range of benefits from creating an inclusive workspace including improved staff morale, boosted productivity and more effective collaboration. What’s more is that you will be future-proofing your business against ever-tightening accessibility and diversity regulations. Inclusivity isn’t just a passing Gen Z fad engineered by social media trends. It’s a critical component of any successful modern business. Use the tips we’ve outlined in the guide above to kickstart your organisation’s inclusivity revolution and speak to Cobus Spaces to ensure you are maximising the potential benefits.