Do you think you, and all of your colleagues, are comfortable in your workplace? Everyone’s working environment should act as a space where they feel ready and willing to bring their best performance, whatever their job is. It is your and your place of work’s duty to make sure everyone is happy, wherever you work. Here are some tips to make your place of work better for people with disabilities.
1. Open Plan Layouts
According to a report published on Equal Human Rights the internal layout of a work space can have a huge impact for people with disabilities. This is due to a number of factors. From wheelchair users who struggle with moving heavy doors, to the visually impaired who rely on a regular, open layout. Even simple changes like clear pathways or lighter doors could potentially make your colleague’s working day so much easier.
2. Wheelchair Accessible Minibus
For people with physical impairments public transport is not an option to get themselves to work. Or another issue could be the number of disabled carpark spaces is limited. A solution for both of these problems is a wheelchair accessible minibus, such as those provided by Allied Fleet. This means people who need it have a simpler way of getting to and from work, not to mention the environmental benefits of such a programme. Have you considered looking into getting this for your place of work?
3. Get the Right Equipment
This one covers an array of needs, all of which depend on the physical impairments of the people in your workplace. This varies from ramps, permanent or ones that could be stored away and used when necessary. It could be you need to have more lifts installed, or those lifts need brail buttons. Or maybe there needs to be more easily accessible plug sockets. You need to address the needs of the people you work with and do your best to adapt the environment accordingly.
4. Build Awareness
It is not just the physical elements of a workplace which can make life easier for people with disabilities. The attitudes of you and your colleagues can have a lasting impact. Your place of work can offer training and classes to offer insight into what members of the workforce go through. You could also create a support group, so people with disabilities know there is a place they can go to talk through their issues. This can create understanding and create a much better team morale.
