Beyond the open floor plan: Building an inclusive space

Open floor plans have been the go-to layout choice for many workplaces, popularized in Silicon Valley but extending far beyond it. But as workplaces have evolved, so has the understanding that one-size-fits-all layouts don’t work for everyone.

In this post, we’ll explore how inclusive workplace design can meet the diverse needs of employees to create a space that accommodates different work styles and needs. We’ll define what inclusive design means, discuss its importance, and provide essential design principles to make your workplace a space where everyone can thrive.

What is inclusive workplace design?

Inclusive workplace design is about creating spaces that support a variety of needs, abilities, and work styles. It considers physical, sensory, and cognitive factors to ensure employees feel comfortable and productive, regardless of their preferences or work requirements. Inclusive design is about creating options.

Why inclusive design matters

The modern workplace is diverse, and inclusive design helps everyone feel supported. When employees have spaces that fit their needs, they can do their best work—together and alone. Supporting productivity and creativity benefits both the employees and the organization.

Inclusive design also increases onsite attendance. When folks feel your space supports them, they’re less likely to coffee badge into the workplace just to be counted as present. Additionally, inclusive design reduces attrition and attracts top talent by fostering a sense of belonging within the company.

For neurodiverse employees and those with sensory sensitivities, inclusive design can help prevent overstimulation and discomfort—challenges that often arise with open-plan layouts. “Sensory stimuli are impacting everyone today,” explains HOK’s Kay Sargent, author of Designing neuroinclusive workplaces. “When we design for the extreme, we benefit the mean—and we can create spaces that enable us all to thrive.”

8 workplace design principles for an inclusive space

By focusing on thoughtful design, you can make your space somewhere everyone feels they belong and can do their best work. Here are eight practical principles to get started:

1. Privacy where it’s needed

Provide a range of private workspaces, such as quiet rooms, pods, or semi-enclosed desks, where employees can focus without distractions. Ensure these spaces are equipped with soundproofing materials to block out external noise and enhance concentration.

2. Flexible workspaces

Include furniture that employees can rearrange to fit their needs, such as movable desks and chairs, or standing desks that support varied work preferences. 

3. Sensory-friendly spaces

Create spaces with gentle lighting, soft furnishings, and muted colors to help employees who are sensitive to sensory stimuli feel more comfortable. You can even go above and beyond by offering noise-canceling headphones or white noise machines to create a calming environment.

4. Support for quiet, focused work

Designate certain areas for quiet work, away from high-traffic or social spaces, to allow for concentration and minimize distractions.

5. Variety of collaboration spaces

Offer different types of meeting areas: formal conference rooms, casual breakout spaces, and even standing collaboration zones to meet varied needs. Consider your organization’s unique needs for group meetings and factor in room amenities such as whiteboards, A/V equipment, and timers to facilitate different types of meetings, such as brainstorms and QA (quality assurance) testing. See our “Ultimate guide to meeting room layouts” for more ideas and considerations.

6. Wayfinding and clear navigation

Use clear signage, color-coded pathways, and accessible wayfinding tools so everyone can navigate the space comfortably and independently. Ensure on-demand support so employees and guests alike can receive immediate help while onsite, improving their comfort and engagement with the space. This could be via onsite or virtual receptionists.

7. Inclusive design for all abilities

Prioritize accessibility by ensuring desks are adjustable and your workplace layout is easy for everyone to navigate, including those with mobility needs. Make finding the right space easy by implementing a room booking system and desk reservation software so folks can find the space that meets their specific requirements. Listing out amenities for both desks and rooms also helps employees make informed choices.

8. Design that reflects personal needs

Include spaces such as mother’s rooms for nursing parents and wellness rooms for relaxation or decompression. These thoughtful touches show that the workplace respects individual needs and backgrounds, creating a more welcoming and inclusive environment.

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Ready to learn more about improving your workspace? Check out our Mastering workplace design mini-series.

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