As a manager, ensuring that your employees are happy and comfortable should be a top priority. Happy employees make for productive employees, so it’s in the best interests of you and your business to stay on top of employee welfare. Creating an accessible workplace is key to this, particularly if you have employees with accessibility or mobility issues.
According to data from the government, 5.52 million disabled people were in employed in the UK as of December 2023, and this number is expected to have grown this year. For managers and business owners, why is creating an accessible workplace so important? Let’s find out.
The Equality Act
One of the top reasons why creating an accessible workplace is so important concerns The Equality Act. First established in 2010, this legislation means that all employers in the UK are required to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate employees with mobility or accessibility difficulties.
Failing to adhere to the regulations and standards set out in The Equality Act could result in you and your business facing punitive action. Furthermore, it could cause reputational damage to your brand.
For managers and business owners, creating an accessible workplace is essential and will ensure your business is not operating in breach of The Equality Act.
Improve Employee Morale
By creating an accessible workplace, you will be making your business more inclusive and diverse. It will feel like a more welcoming place, and all employees will benefit from feelings of tolerance and acceptance.
In doing so, you will help foster an improved sense of togetherness and teamwork. Employees will feel more free to be open and speak their mind, and this honesty can be a powerful collaborative catalyst that can take your business to the next level.
Numerous studies have demonstrated how improved employee morale can boost productivity. Creating an accessible workplace will ensure all of your employees feel welcomed, regardless of their physical health, and this will only stand your business in good stead for future success.
Attract New Talent
For any business to succeed, attracting the top talent is key. It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in, being able to secure the very best candidates will ensure you stay one step ahead of the competition.
How can you do this? Stringent hiring and interview processes are one solution, generous benefits and bonuses are another. However, one incredibly effective way of doing so is by creating an accessible workplace. This approach means you’ll be able to attract top talent that may otherwise have been excluded as a result of accessibility issues.
Additionally, inclusivity and diversity are among the top attributes that candidates look for in a workplace. So, you may find that an accessible working environment will attract top talent regardless of whether they have accessibility issues or not.
Tips for Improving Accessibility
Creating an accessible workplace can be a significant undertaking but, as we have outlined above, the benefits far outweigh the costs.
First, you’ll have to think about physical accessibility. Can a wheelchair user access your workplace? Check the width of doorways and ensure there is enough space between desks. If you have a car park, make sure there are disabled spaces.
The equipment and tools you provide in your workplace should also be designed with accessibility in mind. Braile signage can help those with vision issues, while captioned video meetings can support employers with hearing issues.
You should also look to offer flexible hours and hybrid working arrangements. These can be beneficial for those with accessibility issues and can allow them to work around their health and capabilities more effectively, which will help them be more productive.
Conclusion
For managers and business owners, creating an accessible workplace can improve employee morale, attract new talent and ensure you are not in breach of equality regulations. Think about both physical and technological accessibility and take steps to make your workplace a more welcoming and inclusive space.