Despite the increasing focus on disability access in office interior design, creating workspaces that are truly inclusive to those with disabilities and invisible illnesses remains relatively uncharted territory. According to a study from parliament.uk, 9.58 million people in the UK (aged between 16-64) identify as living with a disability, constituting 23% of the potential working demographic in need of a workplace that supports and accommodates them.
While some progress has been made by businesses, local councils, and other organisations, such as the installation of wheelchair access ramps, it's clear that disability encompasses more than just physical limitations like wheelchairs and limited motor functions. The real question is: what practical features can be incorporated into workspace design to create a truly inclusive environment for people of all abilities?
Who Benefits from Inclusive Design?
Creating a space that caters to all workers isn't just a matter of individual importance; it also provides businesses with access to a broader and more diverse talent pool, filled with skilled and experienced workers. Unlike some workplace design trends where organisations might have to compromise financially or spatially to benefit their staff, inclusive design offers a 'win-win' situation for both sides.
It's important to recognise that disabilities aren't solely physical; they also encompass a wide range of mental health and learning difficulties. The benefits of inclusive design extend across various workers, with no single group benefiting more than another. A range of features and installations can improve the working environment for a diverse array of people, addressing auditory, physical, and sensory needs.
How Can You Integrate Inclusive Design?
Expanding corridors to accommodate two wheelchair users simultaneously redefines spatial best practices, creating a more fluid workplace without the constraint of 'taking up room'. Similarly, making all office spaces and surfaces accessible to those with physical limitations through adjustable and/or multi-height surfaces, such as sit-stand desks, can greatly enhance usability. Another practical solution for improving physical accessibility is to install door handles that can be operated using the 'closed fist' test, requiring minimal effort to open without a firm grasp.
As discussed, challenges in the workplace aren't solely physical; many workers also struggle with sensitivities related to sound, sight, and mental health across a wide spectrum. A 2023 survey of UK office workers by Instantprint revealed that over 90% of respondents identified as being diagnosed with a neurodivergent condition, meaning a very significant portion of the workforce could benefit from small changes.
Redesigning the basic colour scheme of your décor to be more accommodating to certain colour sensitivities, with calming and natural themes, can significantly reduce stress and anxiety. If a full renovation isn't feasible at the moment, policy changes can have a meaningful impact and be easier to implement. Initiatives such as a pet policy, allowing workers to bring in certain pets for stress relief, or introducing more agile or flexible working schemes, can provide accessibility to those with different needs.
These changes not only demonstrate your commitment to creating an inclusive workplace but also serve to attract new talent to your team.
The Seven Principles of Inclusive Design:
To assess whether your organisation embraces the ideals of inclusive design, consider the 'Seven Principles of Inclusive Design'. These qualities, which define inclusive design, offer a framework for evaluating the accessibility and friendliness of your workplace. So, what are these seven principles?
- Equitable use: Does your workplace design appeal to and serve people with diverse abilities?
- Flexibility in use: Does your design accommodate a wide range of individual preferences and abilities?
- Simple and intuitive use: Is your design easy to comprehend regardless of the user's skills or experience?
- Perceptible information: Does your design effectively convey necessary information, regardless of the user's sensory abilities?
- Tolerance for error: Does your design minimise risks due to potential accidental or unintended mistakes?
- Low physical effort: Can the design be used efficiently and comfortably with minimal effort and fatigue?
- Size and space for approach and use: Are you providing sufficient space for reach and manipulation, regardless of the user's body size, posture, or mobility?
By addressing these fundamental principles, you can begin making changes today, no matter how small. If you'd like to learn more about inclusive design and how to best implement these features within your organisation, don't hesitate to contact our interiors team- we can work together to create a more inclusive workplace.
