We’ve all heard the term “equitable workplace,” but what exactly does it mean and how do we design one? The idea’s pretty simple: an equitable workplace is one that provides all employees with an equal opportunity to do their best work. Equitable Workplaces cater to a diverse population with different ways of working and personal needs.
With 2020 shedding light on racial, economic, and gender inequalities that have existed for far too long, Workplace Teams have been engaging in conversations around how issues of inequality permeate the workplace and how to address them. More and more companies are now placing DE&I at the forefront of their agendas, and at the same time, we’re finding that equitable workplace design is gaining increasing attention.
If you’re new to the concept, that’s okay. You’ve got to get started somewhere (and this isn’t a bad place to start). To get you thinking, we’ve shared a few important points about this type of workplace below.
An equitable workplace:
Cannot be designed without soliciting input from all levels of employees (from entry-level staff to executives), as everyone should have their voice, needs, and wants represented. In short, to design an inclusive workplace, you’ve got to engage in an inclusive design process!
Should be ADA accessible. It’s not just the law, but it’s the right thing to do. Companies should want anyone that enters their space to have a positive experience in it. If they hope to support a diverse team, and have access to the best talent, they’ve got to provide a physical workspace in which anyone and everyone can thrive!
Should aim for a fair allocation of space to different departments. We need coders to build our products, salespeople to sell them, and HR professionals to keep our businesses well oiled. Department hierarchy should be swept out the door, as every department is needed. This means that space, light, and your skyline view should be shared amongst everyone.
Should provide diverse work settings for different types of workers. People have different workplace preferences. While some like library-style silence, other enjoy a café buzz. While some like to sit all day, others appreciate the flexibility (and back relief) that a standing desk provides. People have different ways in which they like to work, as well as physical needs. If companies want to increase productivity and employee happiness, it’s time that they cater to the diversity of their team.
Should provide the technology needed to create a seamless connection between at-home and in-house workers. Equitable workplaces will enable all employees (both remote and in-office) to equally participate in meetings and brainstorming sessions. As we move into the post-COVID, hybrid work world, companies will need to pay greater attention to ensuring that their employees aren’t sidelined due to their physical location.
coDesign is a firm believer in the importance of designing equitable workplaces that promote an equitable experience for all employees. To learn more about our design philosophy, visit codesignspaces.com, and to schedule a meeting with our team, please reach out to ben.brothers@codesignspaces.com.
Looking to learn more about workplace design and the future of work?
Check out our past blog posts:
Comments