Accessibility in the Covid Workplace
Chris Kane
Author, Advisor, Non Executive Director, Co-Founder Everythingomni. President London Irish Amateur RFC
Most?commercial buildings are designed built and operated?with only one user in mind – the average human being.?Since the Henry Ford era we have striven for standardisation?and a one size fits all mentality.?As we grapple with the uncertain uncertainty of these Covid times alongside the run-up to Christmas can we spare a thought for those who don’t fall into this category?
Since lockdown hit us, the commercial real estate world has gone into overdrive as we try to figure out how best to get workers back to the office in a safe and efficient manner. This has been complicated by the widespread appeal and acceptance of hybrid working models. However, I have noticed that in all this hype little is made of those of us with disabilities.
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With one in five people having a disability, we are looking at 20% of our global population and this is excluding people with hidden disabilities or those who are situationally disabled.
Pre-Covid life was challenging enough for this part of our community. In terms of the workplace, we focused on providing access to buildings and being complaint with regulations.?However, the experience of the disabled community tells us a different story. It's all very well having ramps in our offices but little thought is given to corridor widths or even the size of disabled toilets.?For example there are some disabled people who need a carer/family member to come in with them!?Is it a case of having workplaces which comply with regulations but designed by those without disabilities for disabilities?
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On a positive note, coping with Covid might open-up fresh opportunities? Following the widespread acceptance that it is possible to perform work tasks away from the traditional workplace might we see greater scope to include talent from the disabled community???Has Covid put us in the position where we have been forced to bridge this divide between those with disabilities and able-bodied workers because businesses have been forced to go digital?
In my view, employers are slowly coming to terms with the reality of distributed office working. They also cannot ignore the ongoing war for talent. Has the time arrived when bosses and managers consider those who in pre-Covid times would not be considered for office/knowledge roles?
As we take our Christmas break, I suggest we take a bit of time to consider broadening our perspectives.?
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Founder of Unstitution * building bridges + bridging divides * catalyzing community * mission critical regenerative pathways * emergent + strategic * collectively creating alternatives aligned with purpose
3 年Yes, Chris Kane, thank you for shining a spotlight here. There's both a need and opportunity for all of us to broaden our perspectives in every direction. To do this, our conversations, strategies and actions must include those who have typically been left out. Welcoming diversity in our organizations and communities will bring previously untapped sensibilities, talent and meaningful engagement that will benefit us all. As we reflect on the challenges ahead, we need everyone’s capabilities and contributions and have much to learn from the differently abled and neurodiverse. May this be the dawning Age of Human ??
Artist | Workplace Strategy | Workplace Experience | PROSCI Change Practitioner | Sustainability
3 年Chris - Thank you. So important to ensure we are thinking of the range of users and their needs to create environments based on Universal Design principles.
Non Executive Chairman at CSH Surrey North Hampshire Urgent Care and the Bourne Education Trust
3 年Great point about building in accordance with regulations but being designed by those without disabilities so not truly understanding the human needs of those with disabilities.
Connect, Provoke, Promote & Entertain
3 年Yes and yet another reason why some of the macho RTO posturing out there is so inappropriate
Editor/Writer @ EVERYTHINGOMNI | People, Process, Place Strategy. Greek to English Translator. Researcher, Author, Journalist,
3 年Also that accessibility is taken and seen as part of the initial integrated design of a building/workplace - not as an afterthought tagged on to tick 'diversity/inclusion' access boxes. Perhaps the disabled community could be consulted and involved more in the process of building design and urban planning. What are the needs to make getting around and functioning easier for almost quarter of the world's population?