Creating an Inclusive Office Space

As businesses in London and beyond strive to accommodate the needs of all employees and visitors, designing a DDA-compliant office space has become a crucial aspect of any modern business. Delivering a safe and accessible workspace for all your visitors and employees not only shows your dedication to equality but also a commitment to the wellness of your team. 

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) rules that businesses must make reasonable adjustments to guarantee accessibility for all employees and visitors; including ensuring safe movement for those with physical disabilities. Failure to comply with the requirements, without a reasonable reason, can result in fines or legal penalties. The amount can vary depending on the severity of the non-compliance and whether it's a first-time or repeated offence. Individuals who face discrimination due to a lack of accessibility can file lawsuits against the business or property owner. This can lead to costly legal battles and potential compensation payments to the affected individuals.

In 2010 the Disability Discrimination Act was replaced by the Equality Act. This requires employers to take positive steps to ensure that all disabled people can access and progress in employment. This goes further than supporting those with physical disabilities and includes hidden disabilities such as neurodiversity, as well as equality for all demographics. In practice, creating an inclusive and accessible workplace means addressing physical barriers and ensuring everyone can navigate the workspace freely, and perform their role without difficulty. 

Accessibility and Entry Points

Ensure that all entrances are accessible. Any area of the building that has step access will also require a ramp to allow wheelchair users and those with restricted mobility. If your office is not on the ground floor, or over multiple floors, you’ll require a lift that is wide enough to accommodate anyone with mobility aids; lifts should be fitted with mirrors to allow for full visibility for wheelchair users to enter and exit. Doors throughout the building and office must be automatic, and meet the minimum dimensions for wheelchair accessibility. 

Navigational ease

Throughout the office, you’ll need clear and accessible signage, written in large fonts and braille, positioned at a height that is accessible to all. Any corridors should be wide enough to allow for those with mobility aids to pass comfortably. This includes keeping the space clutter-free to avoid any accidents. To aid navigation, your lighting throughout these areas must be clear and bright, specifically highlighting your signage. 

Workplace Design

When choosing furniture for your office, we recommend getting a fully adjustable setup. Adjustable desks and chairs cater to various physical needs, including height adjustability. 

Spaces under the desk should be clear to allow for customisability, this could be the requirement of a footstool, or specialist chair. You must be open to ordering specialist equipment, such as ergonomic computer keyboards and mice, to further support those with mobility issues.

Inclusive bathroom facilities

With studies showing that neurodiverse people are more likely to identify as LGBTQ+, installing gender-neutral bathroom facilities ensures that everyone feels comfortable. Additionally, cubicles require enough space for manoeuvring, equipped with support bars, and emergency pull cords to provide a safe and accessible environment for everyone. 

Lighting and acoustics

Creating a space that has plenty of natural light is not only good for productivity levels across your team but also assists those who are partially sighted, or suffer from limited vision. Where needed, it is advised that you supplement the natural light with adjustable artificial light to create a consistent and comfortable lighting environment. Noise sensitivity is a common symptom of many neurodiversities, which often leads to those with sensitivity issues wearing noise-cancelling headphones. Including sound-absorbing materials in your office design can help reduce noise disruptions and make general office noise more bearable. Likewise, including a quiet space available for those who require less noise can make the office much more tolerable. 

Assistive technology

Providing your team with access to assistive technology will allow those requiring support a more seamless work-life. Tools such as screen readers, voice recognition software, and ergonomic keyboards can assist those with both physical and neurological disabilities to perform their roles more effectively. 

Emergency Evacuation Plans

Providing a clear emergency evacuation plan is beneficial to the whole team, not just those who may require assistance. Evacuation routes must be accessible to those with mobility aids, including ramps, and clear and visible pathways with directional signage and clear instructions. You may also want to consider installing emergency alarms with both visual and auditory signals.

Regular audits and updates

It is important to conduct regular accessibility audits to identify and rectify any barriers that may have developed since your last audit. Likewise, staying updated with changes in legislation and emerging best practices will allow you to continuously improve accessibility within your building and office space.

Training and Awareness

As part of your team's progression and development, we recommend hosting regular training on diversity and inclusion within the workplace. Promoting a culture of inclusivity and awareness throughout the organisation will make your staff feel safe and supported. You can emphasise that creating a DDA-compliant space is not just about meeting legal standards but fostering a truly inclusive workplace. Carrying out this training will teach your team how to support and assist colleagues and visitors who may require assistance.

While not all of the measures mentioned here are legal requirements, they are essential if your goal is to create a truly inclusive workplace. With over a decade of experience in the office space industry, the Kontor team has gained extensive knowledge and a deep understanding of what it takes to deliver exceptional work environments. We've successfully partnered with clients around the globe, consistently delivering spaces that exceed expectations. Thanks to our expertise, we know exactly how to find and create spaces that meet DDA requirements. If you’re searching for a new office space or have a property you’d like to lease, don't hesitate to reach out to our team—we’re here to help.

Contact us: UK +44 (0)20 3770 4279 | Email: hello@kontor.com

By Nenagh Acock Jones, Marketing Manager