Net zero has dominated the sustainability conversation in property, and rightly so. But if we ignore the people inside the buildings, sustainability is only being half-addressed.
To deliver truly sustainable spaces, they must be inclusive.
All too often, inclusive design becomes a tick-box for a relatively literal interpretation of the word “inclusivity”, focusing on whether people of differing physical abilities can enter, use and exit a space.
But inclusive design is more than turning circles.
Inclusive design – what I refer to as, simply, good design – is design that works for the people using a space today, while considering who those people might become in time. It allows for people of differing ages, shapes, sizes, and those with invisible disabilities – such as people with chronic illness, neurodivergence and mental health problems – to comfortably use a space.
Beyond the positive impacts on people, good design is good business. Research suggests that workplaces with more inclusive design improve satisfaction and productivity[1].
And while it’s easy to assume that design improvements come with a hefty price tag, afforded only by large corporates and major institutions, there are several elements that SMEs can incorporate while working to a budget.
Learn the ABCDEs
Noise should be a key consideration for any office space, and in design, there are the ABCDEs of office acoustics. Physical interventions, like adding acoustic materials; blocking through using walls; covering sound through masking technology such as white noise; and distance, can all be employed to improve the acoustics of an office space. The ‘E’ stands for etiquette, which encourages people who are being noisy to move to a more appropriate space.
Careful consideration of ABCDEs in office design can make the office a more comfortable space for people to work in. However, sound management mustn’t be taken too far: some offices feel like libraries, while others are more akin to a café than a place of work. Neither extreme is a good thing. An acceptable level of noise within an office that can fluctuate subtly creates a positive working environment.
Remember that not all light is created equal
Lighting is a relatively simple lever to pull when considering inclusive design. Poor lighting can cause discomfort, mostly due to glare. And while tradition often begs an office have cold, overhead lights, this need not be the case. Diverse and adjustable lighting options can minimise glare. Pair a variety of lighting with a strategic layout to
maximise natural light, and an office can become significantly more comfortable for people who are neurodivergent or managing a chronic illness.
Create a dedicated multi-purpose room
It sounds paradoxical, but better to dedicate one room or area in the office for a variety of needs, than to not offer a breakaway space at all.
Offices can have everything from dedicated, individual quiet spaces to support mental health, to faith rooms for people to practise religion while at work, to first aid rooms and parenting rooms. But for the average Scottish SME, both budget and square footage make this an unrealistic ambition.
That said, offering quiet areas for people to pray, or a space to take five minutes after a difficult phone call, can make a big difference.
Especially with mental health problems and burnout on the rise in the UK’s workforce, bringing added costs to employers, dedicated areas for quiet meditation or to have a moment of calm can support the employee’s wellbeing, potentially offsetting the initial investment made in the space.
Communicate the purpose
When organisations have invested in creating a great space, a lack of use is disappointing. Communication can be forgotten, but it is a crucial part of maximising an office’s design. Signage explaining how to use a room, or how to tailor an area’s lighting to individual needs, can maximise engagement with spaces. Even businesses that are not considering a redesign can improve how space is used, generating positive knock-on effects on inclusivity, by communicating a space’s purpose more clearly.
Conclusion
Tunnel vision toward net zero must not distract from the holistic meaning of sustainability. True sustainability must factor in inclusivity – and for most organisations, that is within reach.
[1] International WELL Building Institute. The WELL Factor: Case Study. September 2022. Available at: www.marketing.wellcertified.com
