Today’s globalised world has seen a need to incorporate diversity and inclusivity in the office. As companies expand and diversify, creating an environment that celebrates cultural diversity becomes a challenge – but a challenge that offices everywhere are rising to. An inclusive workspace encourages innovation, creativity and those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for collaboration among employees with varied backgrounds and perspectives. These are wins for any office and they will be successes for yours when inclusive office design becomes a part of your workplace. Join us as we explore how to do it and why it’s important.
At Future Fitouts, we are proud to celebrate cultural diversity and inclusivity in the office. We would like to talk with you about your workplace and how an office fitout will contribute to a more respectful work environment. Call us on 1300 368 461 or reach out to request a quote.
Key Principles of Inclusive Office Design
Collaboration Areas
These can take the form of breakout rooms, huddle spaces or even a coffee bar. Patios or terraces can also serve as useful outdoor places for employees to come together. These collaboration areas enhance engagement among workers by giving everyone a shared space that builds camaraderie and a sense of belonging. It also gives employees a place to get away from their desks and provides a change in thinking that comes with a change in scenery.
Open Office Design
Cubicles were once the go to for office design. They were a place where workers could go about their daily tasks with relative privacy and few interruptions. But walls and partitions are not inclusive. Open office design, when implemented with care, breaks down barriers between employees and promote easy communication. This openness leads to a business culture of teamwork and transparency, which fosters trust and inclusiveness for everyone in the office.
Quiet Places
Some people thrive in a busy, bustling environment. Others not so much. Having quiet places in an otherwise busy office creates an inclusive environment for workers who need some quiet or solitude to focus effectively. Accommodating different needs is one aspect of inclusive office design that creates a welcoming atmosphere for neurodiverse individuals.
Cultural Elements
An excellent way to celebrate cultural diversity in the office is through artwork. Displaying art from various groups and cultures can visually represent the diversification of a business’s workforce and clients. The makes employees and visitors feel acknowledged and provides a sense of belonging. Having artwork from the cultural backgrounds of employees can generate a feeling of ownership and pride in the workplace, helping to bring out the best in all team members.
Engage the Team in Office Design
The teams in a company are made up diverse and unique individuals, all with different wants and needs from the space they work in. When considering a fitout or renovation of an office or workspace, be sure to consult with the people who will spend most of their working time there. Ask them what the company can provide in an office that is inclusive and celebrates their rich diversity – they’ll come up with ideas you couldn’t imagine. You don’t have to act on all their input, but some suggestions will be stellar for creating inclusiveness in the workplace.
Future Fitouts Will Make it Happen
Once you have ideas about what you want in your inclusive office design, contact Future Fitouts – we’ll make it happen for you! We’re also available for discussion if you need more guidance or suggestions. We are your local office design and fitout specialists, creating outstanding spaces where employees thrive and shine. Contact is today to get started. Call us on 1300 368 461 or you can request a quote online.