Inclusivity in the workplace is one of the leading factors in business success. A resounding example of this is Google, named the best place to work for the 4th consecutive year for its engaging and empowering culture, Google places inclusivity at its forefront in terms of design, policy formulation and values.
As organisations of the future, let’s explore some key steps to create an inclusive office design, so our team members can thrive in a creative, flexible, and motivational environment.
Optimized floor plan
A modern office must be designed to be accessible, and to welcome all employees as well as visitors. An ideal floor plan should pave the way for ease of movement, with provisions for wheelchair accessibility.
Over the years, we’ve seen traditional office spaces transition into flexible, collaborative and co-working environments that prioritize engagement and creativity. A versatile office layout is the key to encouraging communication, leading to better inclusivity in the workspace.
Creating a communal area or recreational space promotes a healthier workforce by encouraging interaction, as well as providing an accessible space for micro-breaks, which helps prevent burn-out and fatigue. For example, at Max House, Okhla, the terrace has been transformed into a recreational and collaborative zone accessible by all tenants, enabling co-mingling not just within an organization but amongst all occupants of the building.
Let your employees have their say
Employees enjoy their job when they are feeling respected, and one of the best ways to ensure inclusivity in the workspace is by allowing them to have a say. By allowing employees to lead the way in guiding changes and improvements to the workspace, organisations can create spaces that motivate employees to come to work and stay engaged longer.
Developments by Max Estates are created to address the future of work while considering human capital to be the most important asset of any organization by blending thoughtful design, well-planned interiors and superior hospitality in order to nurture a more productive, healthier and happier community.
Select your colour scheme
You can use coloured accents to effectively promote inclusivity in the workspace. From artwork or logos on the walls to colourful office furniture and flooring, using more subtle splashes of colour can be a highly effective way to convey your design ethos.
Research has shown that colour is a powerful communication tool that can greatly influence a person’s mood and behaviour. For example, blue represents trust and logic and has been proven to be an intellectual colour that promotes communication, making it an ideal choice for meeting rooms and main office areas. On the other hand, orange is known to create a sense of comfort and can be well utilised in areas such as the kitchen, where employees should feel relaxed.
Offer flexibility
Young professionals are increasingly opting to work at companies that offer flexible design, workspaces, and hours. Allowing a flexible environment and workspace is crucial to implementing inclusivity at the workspace, as studies show that employees feel happier, healthier & more satisfied when they have higher control over their physical workspace and abundant access to meeting places.
Hot Desking and desk hoteling[RR3] , which negate the need for permanently assigned seating, are gaining popularity with the youth as it avoids restrictive assignments and promotes choice. At the same time, arrangements such as desk hoteling allow organisations to use space more efficiently as we navigate the emerging hybrid model of workspace. One of the leading law firms occupying major space at Max Towers, Noida, has effectively utilised this concept by creating a ‘Hot Desk’ zone to bring its hybrid workplace policy of allowing a mix of work from office, work from home, or work from anywhere to action.
Include multilingual signages
Irrespective of the dominant language spoken by a majority of the workforce, installing multilingual signages and artworks can instantly signal inclusivity in the workspace. It also serves as a reminder of the diverse environment and culture of the organisation, and signifies respect for all communities, regardless of the prevalent majority in the office.
Expand the holiday calendar
Paying attention to the details goes a long way in showing you care about your employees. Representation is a poignant indicator of inclusion. Take a look at the office calendar of your company. In addition to mainstream holidays such as Christmas and New Year’s, be sure to include holidays that represent the beliefs of your team at large, allowing them the flexibility to celebrate their personal values, with support from the organisation.
Create safe spaces
Creating spaces for solitude and quiet reflection allow employees to escape the ongoing hustle bustle of the office and take a few moments to themselves to recharge and rejuvenate. It is essential to provide a safe outlet for employees who wish to discuss
It is advisable to promote dialogue in the workplace, and encourage employees to share their views, with the assurance of their differences being respected, and valued. Providing access to mental health counsellors and support systems for any stress-related concerns, and creating an open culture that fosters interaction between different levels of hierarchy for professional concerns, both are essential steps to creating an inclusive safe space.
Recognize and reward everyone’s performance
Not only does recognition drive employee engagement, but rewarding specific behaviours also signals a company’s values. In addition to rewarding skills and performance linked achievements, evaluate other soft-skill contributions that may be noticeable, and recognise how they help your company and workers.
Max Estates takes a holistic approach at building inclusive workspaces, with the intention of personifying the WorkWell mantra, a unique amalgamation of attention to the physical, social, intellectual and spiritual well-being of users of the office space, creating a true balance between life and work. Experience the WorkWell philosophy in action at their two landmark office spaces, Max Towers in Noida, and Max House, in New Delhi as well as the upcoming development, Max Square , Noida.
