Creating and designing an inclusive workplace

Why you should promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace

Inclusion strategies in the workplace give teams the tools and environment to do their best work as their best selves, whilst baking it into their wider workplace strategy to ensure it is comprehensive and long-lasting. These principles create happier teams and better culture, attract the best talent, and build trust and loyalty, fostering an overall sense of belonging, acceptance and understanding.

Moreover, research from McKinsey & Co. claims that ‘a sense of inclusion is strongly linked with employee engagement’, with improved productivity and motivation amongst those who feel they have their needs met at work. As a result, a workplace full of happy, engaged employees is more likely to have high employee retention rates, continued innovation and improved financial growth.

The role of inclusion in office design

How does inclusion play into office design?

Inclusion runs through office design in a number of ways, and should feature as a core principle in designing modern workplaces. Some ways to apply this are:

Accessibility - This involves ensuring every employee, no matter their physical or sensory needs, have access to the building, technology, spaces and conversations that reside within them. This not only includes physical elements like ramps, elevators or wheelchair friendly facilities in common and working areas, but sensory elements like heating and cooling, signage and noise reduction measures.

Comfort - The best offices are comfortable for everyone; more than simply providing adjustable ergonomic furniture and equipment, comfort can include providing private spaces for 1-2-1s, or areas that enable quiet focus work and collaboration respectively.

Technology - Connectivity in the workplace should make the act of setting up for, and completing, work as simple and stress-free as possible, whether you’re stationed in the office or at home. An inclusive technology helps teams to collaborate thoughtfully, connect with ease and converse in the ways that suit them best.

Lighting, Acoustics and Materials - Considering the sensory effects of workplace design on individuals is essential, as it impacts their ability to control their environment. Ideally, workplaces should offer a variety of spaces with different acoustics, lighting, and materials—such as quiet rooms with acoustic panels and softer lighting for focused work or rest, and brighter collaboration areas to keep teams energised and creative.

Colours - Colour has a deeper effect on mood and behaviour than you may think. As humans, we interpret and associate different colours with a variety of feelings and emotions, that can help or hinder us, depending on the type of task we are carrying out. Read more about colour in the workplace on our blog.

Flexible / Agile spaces - Agile working empowers teams to do their best work, and no two employees are the same. Providing multi-purpose spaces, equipment and furniture ensures that each room or area can serve a purpose to everyone in the building

Safe space to practise faith - Inclusion and diversity come hand in hand, and multifaith spaces help to create a supportive and diverse workplace culture.

Why is it important to design a workplace with inclusion in mind?

Designing a workplace with inclusion at its core, according to McKinsey, is a key consideration for employees as they plan their careers. Employees value a workplace that is comfortable and conducive, enabling them to focus, learn, grow and thrive - no matter their background or circumstances. These workplaces have a longer life, are more scalable, and encourage employees to invest in a business that cares about their needs and wellbeing.

What does an inclusive workplace look like

Inclusive workplace design ensures equal opportunities for everyone to show up as themselves, thrive in their role, and succeed as teams and individuals respectively. To read more about designing for neurodiversity, visit our blog.

Common barriers to inclusivity in the workplace

On the path to creating a more inclusive workplace, you’re likely to face several common barriers; recognising and overcoming them is key to making real progress. Here are a few you might encounter:

Layout inequality - Layout inequality can arise when open plan spaces favour extroverts, corner offices reinforce hierarchy, and fixed desks limit flexibility. By removing hierarchical barriers and empowering employees to choose how and where they work, you can promote collaboration, innovation, and team building, as well as pushing teams and individuals together who may not otherwise interact, nurturing relationships and culture.

Inflexible design - Inflexible design, which doesn’t allow employees the freedom to choose how and where they work, can be addressed through inclusive design. Offer a variety of open and quiet spaces, seated and standing areas, and the flexibility to move between them.

Unequal access - Unequal access is another challenge, where spaces fail to accommodate wheelchair users, neurodiverse individuals, or those who have visual or hearing impairments. Include design features like adjustable desks, sensory-friendly areas, colour contrast and braille, and assistive technology such as captioning and visual alerts to improve access

Gender inequality - Gender inclusivity should be ensured by creating safe spaces for all gender identities, both in design and the language used throughout the workplace. Read more about inclusive communication on our blog.

How Peldon Rose designs inclusive workplaces

At Peldon Rose, we’re proud to create inclusive workplace designs that foster collaboration, accessibility, and wellbeing for all employees. Our commitment to people-focused spaces within our own organisation has earned us recognition as one of the UK’s Best Workplaces Construction, Engineering & Property™ 2024 by Great Place to Work.

The design process

Designing an inclusive workplace starts with understanding the unique needs of the people who use the space. The Great Place to Work Survey is a comprehensive survey that gathers insights directly from employees about their workplace experiences. This data highlights key areas of satisfaction, as well as challenges employees may face, such as accessibility, flexibility, and collaboration.

By incorporating feedback from the survey, we ensure that every voice is heard and every need is considered. For example, if employees express a need for more quiet spaces or better accessibility, we can incorporate these elements into office design. Ultimately, the survey allows businesses to tailor workplace designs that not only meet physical and functional needs, but emotional and mental health needs, too.

Inclusive workplace project examples

The power of transformative office design for Vitality - Vitality’s primary objective for their new Bournemouth office was to deliver a workspace that puts wellbeing and inclusion at the heart of its purpose. The designs of the London and Bournemouth offices are guided by principles of Fitwel, a building accreditation strategy and process focused on evidence-based design and operational strategies to enhance and instil feelings of wellbeing, inclusion, relaxation and social engagement. It meets the needs of individual employees throughout the group with a well thought-out flexible and multifunctional workspace that strengthens the brand and attracts and retains the best talent in their industry.

Delivering flexible work solutions for Just Group - Just Group is dedicated to doing the right thing the right way, understanding that valuing diversity is essential for building a strong, inclusive team. Their new 17,000 sq ft workspace places collaboration areas at its core, featuring stunning south-facing views of the Thames and ample natural light. This dynamic environment encourages employees to explore their work styles, promoting flexibility and variety. The main boardroom accommodates gatherings of various sizes, while other rooms offer warm, inviting settings for independent work or quiet focus.

Enabling inclusive collaboration for MS Society - The MS Society, which funds leading research into multiple sclerosis, needed help in creating a space that embraced inclusive design principles. Since some employees are directly affected by MS, the organisation prioritised accessibility in every aspect of the design, from layout and furniture to colours and tones. Peldon Rose’s human-centric approach not only enhances the employee experience but also supports the natural need for collaboration and socialisation. With minimal fixed assets, movable furniture pods allow for adaptable and transient spaces suitable for teamwork, project meetings, knowledge sharing, and mentoring for all.

Summary

Creating an inclusive workplace is all about tackling key challenges and implementing smart design strategies, such as recognising and overcoming inequalities, emphasising flexible and accessible designs, ensuring equal access for all, and incorporating feedback through tools like the Great Place to Work Survey.

If you’re interested in learning more about fostering inclusivity in your workspace, check out our News & Insights blog for more resources, or explore our inclusive office design projects. If you’re ready to start your diversity and inclusion journey, get in touch with our team below.