Not Just Design, but Design for All: An Inclusive Approach to Workplace Design

The business landscape has evolved dramatically in recent years, and companies striving to remain competitive recognize the value of having a diverse workforce.?Research ?shows that diverse companies outperform their competitors by 35%, highlighting the significance of having an inclusive workplace culture. The way for organizations aiming to attract and retain diverse talent is paved by prioritizing inclusive design. It should not be treated as an afterthought, but rather an integral part of the planning and implementation stages. By fostering an environment where everyone feels welcomed and valued, any workplace can become more diverse, equitable, and prosperous.

Accessibility at the Forefront

• The estimated number of people with disabilities worldwide - is 1.3 billion.1 80% of disabilities are acquired between the ages of 18 and 64 – the workforce age.2
• Only 4% of businesses are focused on making offerings inclusive of disability.3

Accessibility is an initial and crucial aspect of designing an inclusive workplace. By fostering an environment that is welcoming to everyone and promoting a sense of belonging, any organization can enhance diversity, equity, and prosperity within its workplace. A?study ?found that companies that prioritize accessibility and inclusion in the workplace see increased productivity, profitability, and customer satisfaction. The report found that companies that provided accessible technologies for employees with disabilities saw a 28% increase in revenue, a 30% increase in net income, and a 72% increase in employee productivity.

Apple's short film,?"The Greatest " ?is a portrayal of the company’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity that also celebrates the power of technology to transform lives and break down barriers. The film showcases the inspiring stories of musicians, artists, athletes, and parents who use Apple's accessibility technologies to overcome daily obstacles and pursue their passions.

Technology That Makes Life Easier – For Everyone.

Assistive Technology -?“Any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.”

The objective of assistive technology is to make information, programs and services, and facilities more accessible to the equipment user. There have been many recent advancements in assistive technology for the workplace, aimed at helping people with disabilities to perform their job duties more effectively and independently.

1. Wearable devices such as smart glasses, hearing aids, and wristbands can provide real-time feedback and assistance to people with disabilities. For example, smart glasses can help people with visual impairments to navigate their workplace and identify objects, while wristbands can help people with mobility impairments to control their environment through gestures and voice commands.
2. Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) allow people with disabilities to control their environment and perform tasks using their brainwaves. For example, BCIs can be used to control a wheelchair or operate a computer using only the power of thought.
3. Collaborative robots (cobots) are robots designed to work alongside humans and assist with physical tasks. They can be programmed to assist people with disabilities in performing physical tasks such as lifting and moving objects, reducing the risk of injury and increasing independence.
4. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies can be used to simulate real-life scenarios and provide training and assistance to people with disabilities. For example, VR can be used to simulate different work environments and train people with disabilities on how to navigate them safely and effectively.
5. Artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to create personalized assistive technology solutions for people with disabilities. For example, AI can be used to analyze a person's movements and behaviors to create a customized wheelchair or exoskeleton that fits their specific needs and preferences.

Overall, these technological advancements in assistive technology for the workplace hold great promise for improving the lives of people with disabilities, increasing their independence, and allowing them to participate more fully in the workplace.

Automation and Accessibility

The advancements in assistive technology have been nothing short of remarkable, with new innovations being introduced every day. As a result, it is imperative that workplace design keeps up with these developments in order to provide an inclusive and supportive environment for employees with disabilities. By removing physical barriers and enabling greater control and independence, automation can help to promote inclusion and diversity in the workplace.

Here are some examples:

1. Automated doors?with sensors can make it easier for people with mobility impairments or those who use wheelchairs to move around the workplace. This feature eliminates the need to manually open doors, making it easier for people with disabilities to enter and exit buildings.
2. Automated lighting systems?can adjust the light levels and brightness based on the needs of the individual. This feature can be particularly helpful for people with visual impairments or those who experience light sensitivity.

1. Voice-activated controls?can enable people with disabilities to control various aspects of their workplace environment. For example, they can adjust the temperature, lighting, and other settings using voice commands, making it easier for them to navigate and control their environment.
2. Automated lifts?can be used to provide access to different floors of the building, enabling people with mobility impairments to access all areas of the workplace without relying on stairs.
3. Virtual assistants?like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant can be used to help people with disabilities perform tasks like scheduling appointments, sending emails, or making phone calls. This feature can be particularly helpful for people with cognitive or communication impairments.

Conclusion?

It is evident that technology plays an important role in designing an inclusive and accessible workplace, and this is just the tip of the iceberg. An accessible workplace brings numerous benefits to organizations, including the significant advantage of inclusivity. With an accessible workplace, all employees can participate fully and contribute to the organization's success, regardless of their abilities.

Our Research and Insights section will help transform your workspaces to be more accessible and future-ready.?

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