How Private Office Spaces Put the “Access” in Accessibility

 

According to recent data from the CDC, more than a quarter of adults in the United States live with a disability. For many of them, remote work has made their lives easier. Why? Because too many office spaces fail to accommodate their needs (e.g., with open floor plans that have poor airflow, closely clumped desks, and no mask mandates).

It’s important to remember that accessibility isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Your employees – whether disabled or not – all have different needs. Accommodating those needs to ensure that everyone can be their happiest, most engaged, and most productive selves requires flexibility and a willingness to think creatively.

Here’s how private office spaces can help create an office environment that helps your team thrive.

Limit Distractions to Support Neurodiversity

For neurodiverse professionals who live with conditions like autism, ADHD, or social anxiety, in-office experiences can increase stress in a variety of ways.

For example, impromptu social interactions might cause stress for an employee with autism or social anxiety. Noise pollution (from coworkers eating lunch, having loud conversations, etc.) might hurt a team member with ADHD’s ability to focus.

These are both normal (and enjoyable, for some) parts of working in an office. But for those who find them overwhelming, it’s important to provide space to decompress and cope healthily.

Offering private, dedicated office spaces equips your team with a necessary tool to complete their work comfortably, which goes a long way toward creating a more positive work culture.

Promote Health for Immunocompromised Professionals and Caretakers of Vulnerable Individuals

The pandemic remains dangerous for immunocompromised people and those who are too young to get vaccinated. This affects a large portion of the workforce, ranging from parents of young children and other caretakers to professionals with weakened immune systems.

If your physical workplace doesn’t provide necessary protection, you’re signaling (whether you realize it or not!) that you don’t value their presence in the office or their contributions to your team. That’s terrible for engagement.

It can also discourage these employees from returning, which alienates them from their coworkers and hurts company culture. In some cases, failing to maintain an accessible office space could even push these employees to seek a company that supports their health needs.

Most employers can’t afford these sorts of departures amid the Great Resignation. Since last summer, open positions have outnumbered job seekers; companies are hiring about 6.5 million workers per month but have more than 11 million vacancies.

Fortunately, offering private office spaces can boost retention by signaling that you value and prioritize your employees’ health. That’s because, unlike offices with open floor plans, private office spaces…

  • Limit transmission of viruses (closed-door settings restrict airflow).

  • Enable caretakers and immunocompromised professionals to safely return and connect with colleagues on their own terms (masked, socially distanced, or virtually).

Adding this element of privacy to your workspace helps ensure the caretakers, working parents, and professionals with weakened immune systems that work for you will feel safe and supported.

Deliver Privacy to Accommodate Various Needs

Beyond the benefits private offices can offer neurodiverse and immunocompromised employees, though, their primary benefit – privacy – can benefit all workers. Because they have doors that close and lock, private office spaces allow professionals to isolate themselves to complete necessary tasks like…

When returning to the office means losing privacy, morale suffers. It’s why so many disabled professionals appreciate remote work arrangements.

But you can inspire your team to return to the office – and reap the benefits of having them in the same space – if you meet their needs as both professionals and people.

Providing an accessible office space demonstrates a commitment to your team and shows that you actively listen to their concerns.

Offering Accessible Office Spaces Can Support Retention and Recruiting Efforts

More than four million people quit their jobs in January, rivaling the record-high figure set in November 2021. There is a clear demand for talent. One way business leaders can retain and attract professionals is by offering private office spaces, which meet employees’ diverse needs and enable company-wide success.

If you’re looking for a space that prioritizes the safety, comfort, and privacy of you or your team, book a tour to see if Firmspace is right for you.






 
Firmspace Staff