KNOW HOW / EXPLAINER
ACCESSIBIL I T Y
Open access Workplace accessibility can and should be improved through technology, says Stuart Finnie
H
istorically, workplace accessibility was informed principally by building regulations. However, in recent years, as we seek to become more inclusive to support those with physical or mental considerations, workplace strategies have evolved to think beyond the physical environment to understand how individuals interact with a space. There is now greater awareness to prioritise physical and mental wellbeing at work.
Benefits of an accessible workplace Designing a workspace with the wider working population in mind is the right thing to do. An approach of ‘people first, workspace second’ ensures a workspace is created to fit the needs of all employees. With 8.4 million working-age adults in the UK identifying as having a disability (25 per cent of the working population), accessibility in the workplace is a key topic being considered by employers. Organisations are considering accessibility in all aspects of workplace creation. When an organisation’s infrastructure is designed with accessibility in mind, it delivers benefits at an individual and organisational level. Recruitment and retention improve when workspaces are personalised and accessible, as they enable individuals to thrive, feeling more comfortable in their workplace. Companies that embrace physical and mental accessibility principles expand the
56
pool of talent available to them and put themselves on a stronger footing when encouraging diversity of thinking and enabling staff to work from the office.
Technology-enhanced accessibility Not all disabilities are visible. According to ONS data, one in every 6.8 people in the UK experiences problems with mental health in the workplace. Businesses must go beyond physical accessibility features to help employees manage. Mental wellbeing must be considered, from ensuring the most appropriate lighting is used to managing noise levels and providing adaptable workstations.
1
Cater to everyone’s needs Seamless integration of technology allows for personalised settings and environments focused on each individual’s needs. ‘Accessibility tech’ is becoming increasingly prevalent, with personalised app-based software transforming the future landscape of the workplace. Software is now available to help people with learning considerations. For STUART example, a dyslexic FINNIE is employee can be regional supported to read and principal, write by speaking text design – EMEA out loud, using the at Unispace
software to check spelling and dictate the text. Similarly, investment in accessibility hardware – touchless entry, speech recognition systems and hearing loops in meeting rooms – are now more commonplace in the offices we design.
2
Solutions need to be intuitive Accessible technology must be harmonised with the specific needs of the individual in mind and implemented using software that is aligned to office tech. Avoid bolt-on solutions to guarantee maximum uptake among employees who are familiar with and/or have received proper training to understand the benefits of these measures.
3
FM’s role Technology that aids accessibility must be universal in its use in the workplace and the role of the facilities manager is critical in the ongoing education, consistent application, harmonisation and testing of these tools for the benefit of all users. The right mix of strategy, design and technology empowers individuals and enables better outcomes from teams, across a range of accessibility needs. Investment in accessible workspaces that use assistive technologies can deliver measurable benefits for individuals and organisations. These technological solutions empower employees but also enable businesses to draw from a wider and more diverse pool of talent.
FAC I L I TAT E S EP T EM B ER- O C TO B ER 2021
56-57 KH Tech_Waste_Sep-Oct 2021_FM World.indd 56
03/09/2021 13:55
