A modern workplace isn't just one that appears slick and stylish. A modern workplace is one that's inclusive of the needs of everybody who works there. Considering inclusive office design not only factors in employees with disabilities or accessibility issues, it also takes into account different types of workers.
After all, some employees work better in a loud, bustling office space, while others prefer quiet and downtime. While some employees enjoy relaxing on an ergonomic chair while in the office, others prefer to boost their fitness by walking at a standing desk.
To create a workplace that truly attracts people from all walks of life, appealing to a diverse range of needs is an absolute must. Here's how to do it.
1. Create active spaces
While some employees are content to simply be sat at a desk, others work better when they're being active. Luckily, an office doesn't have to be an exclusively sedentary space.
By investing in standing and height-adjustable desks like the ones we offer at FlexiSpot, you can create active spaces, where staff members can perform video calls while standing or even go for a walk on a treadmill from the comfort of their desks.
By catering to staff members whose productivity is boosted with physical movement, you can help everyone work in the way that's most effective for them, which, in turn, improves their ability to get the job done.
2. Prioritise comfort
Let's face it, sitting in an uncomfortable, non-adjustable, old-fashioned office chair can be seriously uncomfortable. And nobody has ever worked more effectively while being uncomfortable.
An ergonomic chair, like those on offer at FlexiSpot, can provide employees with somewhere more comfortable to sit as well as boosting long-term health. Sitting in the wrong type of chair can cause back, shoulder, and neck pain, not to mention poor posture. You can support employee health with comfortable furniture that provides dynamic back support and guarantees comfort.
Do your employees work remotely? They'll be incredibly grateful if you put some of the budget towards investing in work-from-home infrastructure for them, such as ergonomic chairs.
3. Leave wide spaces
An office space in which all the furniture is placed too close together doesn't work for anybody. Not only can it create distractions when employees don't have enough space to carry out tasks or phone calls without being heard, but it's bad for accessibility, too.
Ideally, the gaps between desks or between the desks and the walls should be wide enough to allow for a wheelchair or a mobility scooter. That way, you won't exclude those with disabilities from working comfortably in your workplace.
4. Include ramps as well as stairs
This one might seem obvious but including ramps as well as stairs makes your workplace significantly more accessible for people who use wheelchairs or mobility scooters. If there isn't space for a ramp next to every staircase, install lifts instead to ensure everybody can get around your building no matter their accessibility needs.
5. Create spaces for those who like to work alone
While for some, the office camaraderie is what makes work worthwhile, others occasionally prefer to work alone - especially when it's time to get on with a task that demands concentration.
You can cater to all working styles by creating booths for people who like to work alone or want to temporarily hot desk while they get to grips with a tricky spreadsheet. When employees have the option to work alone or as part of a wider group, they can match their working style with what's most likely to inspire productivity on the day.
6. Assign quiet spaces
Just as some employees prefer to work alone, others prefer to work in silence - especially if they need to take an important client call. Separating the office into quiet zones and zones where noise is allowed ensures that staff members can sit in the section that will most benefit their productivity.
If they need to catch up with a client or discuss a confidential matter with a colleague, having individual booths they can escape to for peace can be game-changing.
The key to catering to a diverse workplace is creating spaces that suit every type of need. Active workers will love the option of a standing desk to help them boost their fitness from the comfort of their desk, while other employees will adore the back and shoulder support given by ergonomic chairs.
Staff members who enjoy socialising throughout the workday should have access to social spaces or shared lunch spaces, while there should be an area for those who need a little peace and quiet to concentrate on particularly demanding tasks.
With the right office furniture, you can create a layout that every employee will be happy with. Head to FlexiSpot to discuss furniture that makes your office a safer, happier, and more comfortable space for everyone.
