While one working environment can make a person feel at ease, productive, and comforted, another person could feel distracted and overwhelmed in that same environment. Companies are taking inclusivity to the next level when thinking about office design.
In the same way, people learn differently, they also feel the most productive in different environments depending on their working styles. Everyone is different, and the way one person works may not be the same as another, which is why companies are focused on creating inclusive environments. While it is essential to create environments that foster productivity for most employees, it is also important to remember the other individuals that may require a different type of working space.
Creating an inclusive design can be a challenge for designers. The first thing that needs to be understood is the employees’ perspectives. Do they feel seen in the space they are working in? For example, does the artwork reflect the various cultures working at that company? Creating inclusive environments includes everything from signage to wall art and the type of furniture.
The types of furniture can speak to inclusive designs because one person’s choice of a softer chair could be different from someone who enjoys a firmer chair. While one individual may prefer to work in a collaborative space, another may choose to be in a more sensory-controlled environment.
Navigating inclusive design in the workplace can be a challenge. However, making necessary changes can positively impact not only one’s overall well-being but also foster a better company culture.