Creating an office with inclusivity in mind is crucial for any organization that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. It involves designing business interiors that cater to the needs of all individuals and creating an environment that promotes productivity, creativity, and collaboration. Inclusivity is a constantly evolving process that aims to empower every individual and promote a sense of belonging.
Components of Inclusivity
Inclusivity is “an intersectional experience of being accommodated, empowered, and valued in real-time,” according to Kamara Sudberry, Global Leader, Inclusive Design, Workplace Innovation at Steelcase. “It’s about bringing people together in transformational and powerful ways.”
Choice and flexibility in business interiors are critical to employee satisfaction, productivity, and retention. Giving employees the freedom to choose how they work and where they work can help them feel valued and empowered. Inclusivity revolves around equality and equity, which means that everyone should have access to the same opportunities and resources. It’s important to remember that inclusivity may be interpreted differently based on an individual’s needs and preferences.
Accessibility is also an essential component of inclusivity. It involves creating a space that is easy to navigate and use for people with disabilities. Tim Hileman, President, and CEO of Special Olympics Michigan says that “designing an accessible office space must strike a balance between being intentional about accessibility without making the space feel stigmatized.” The goal is to create an environment that is accessible for everyone without drawing attention to any one person’s needs.
Create an Inclusive Office with the Right Application of Business Interiors
One way to create an inclusive office is by integrating specific products that provide flexibility, such as Steelcase’s Flex Collection.
The Flex Collection supports a hybrid workplace by providing flexible, reconfigurable solutions that meet the needs of dynamic teams and individuals. The collection allows organizations to provide the just-right environments people need to do their best work and empowers them to adapt their space on demand. For example, the Steelcase Flex Personal Spaces provide people with a heightened level of privacy, control, and comfort in the hybrid workplace. It creates an organically accessible space for anyone.
The Steelcase Flex Collection is also designed with inclusivity in mind. Below are some examples of products that support inclusivity in business interiors.
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- The Flex Desk is height-adjustable, allowing people to work in any comfortable position and a variety of postures.
- The Flex Markerboard provides a large surface for collaboration, which can be easily moved.
- The Flex Personal Spaces provide people with a private area where they can focus and work without distractions. The Personal Spaces are designed to be highly flexible, allowing people to work where they feel most comfortable. It also comes with a range of customizable options, such as lighting, and power, allowing individuals to create a space that works for them.
Inclusivity in design is not just about creating a space that is accessible or flexible. It’s about creating an environment that promotes a sense of belonging, where everyone feels valued and empowered. It’s about creating a space that caters to the needs of every individual, regardless of their ability. Inclusivity is a fundamental value that should be at the forefront of every organization’s design process.
POI Provides Flexible Solutions Which Support Inclusivity in the Office
Creating an office with inclusivity in mind is essential for any organization that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. POI offers an array of business interior products including the Flex Collection by Steelcase which provide a range of flexible and adaptable solutions that support the needs of dynamic teams and individuals.
POI provides connected solutions which boost performance, productivity, culture and well-being within corporate, healthcare, government and learning environments. Reach out to the experts at POI today to learn more about how we have successfully applied the hybrid work model to our offices and how we can help you create spaces employees want to go to.
Visit our LivingLAB and see hybrid in action today. Request your visit now.