Does office design cultivate a more inclusive workplace?

Welcoming people back to work

After almost two years of working from home as the default in Singapore, what’s clear is that companies need to ensure their work spaces are attractive, safe, and welcoming enough for professionals to want to return to the office. For parents, especially nursing mothers, a workplace that provides a private, dedicated space for pumping and storing milk makes employees feel supported, and the return to work more seamless. At Csuites, private rooms and open layout spaces equipped with the latest technology offer privacy and space from others at a comfortable distance, while mothers will be glad to know that there is a nursing room where they can feel at ease.

Faith at work

In multicultural, multi-faith Singapore, professionals of all faiths and religions should feel welcome, and progressive workplaces provide prayer rooms as part of their facilities. At some of the most thoughtfully designed spaces, considerations are made for halal diets, with separate fridges or microwaves for food preparation, the latter of which are found at Csuites. There is also a multi-faith prayer room on-site. Sensitive touches like these reflect a strong sense of diversity in an organisation, and go a long way in fostering a physical environment that is inclusive for everyone.

Access for all

Well-designed spaces are proactive about making the workplace inclusive, functional and accessible.  Accessibility is crucial and Csuites leads the way with wide corridors and doorways for employees and visitors who use devices such as wheelchairs. Its flexible meeting spaces can be adapted to provide more space for large teams, while ergonomic chairs and height-adjustable sitting and standing desks ensure employees feel comfortable and at ease. For those with invisible disabilities, such as hearing loss, clearly signposted directions create an accommodating environment. For those who need to avoid overstimulation, sound proofing and areas created for privacy make a world of difference. 

Working with the senses

Anyone who’s spent time in a traditional co-working space understands the frustration of being exposed to others who conduct calls in communal spaces, colleagues who fail to use headphones, or even the perils of being in an office under a flight path. For those with sound sensitivity or have sensory processing differences, open office noise can make focus and productivity almost impossible. In a thoughtfully designed hybrid work space, ample areas are provided to accommodate needs, such as standing phone booths for phone calls, and ideal meeting spaces – and sound proofing is pivotal. 

Sound is just one aspect of providing comfort: temperature and lighting are other physical aspects of the work environment that have an impact on the health, comfort, and productivity of employees. It goes without saying, but too-hot and too-cold temperatures do not make for a conductive environment. The open-plan zones at Csuites are designed to allow even distribution of natural light and have acoustic sound panels that minimise sound disruption. Teams who need more privacy and seating options aren’t left out; private meeting rooms feature industrial grade HV/AC soundproofing and energy-efficient air conditioning and lighting systems.

Encouraging interaction while providing space for privacy

One of the pitfalls of open-plan office design is that these spaces also open up room for distraction. But it’s possible to strike a balance. To provide for all types of activities, Csuites has spaces designed for huddling and private booths that facilitate focus time and privacy, while open-plan desks encourage ideation and innovation. Shared common areas like its on-site cafe and outdoor garden terrace invite people to mingle and take a break from work. Whether it’s focused work, collaboration or downtime you’re after, there’s something to suit solo workers, small groups and big teams.

Csuites recognises that employees perform well when they have greater control over how they work, and when they feel that organisations care about their health and well-being – inclusive workplace design plays a big part in making that happen. From spacious, versatile layouts to well-equipped meeting rooms and thoughtful amenities, Csuites was designed to be people-centric and cater to every available need. Ultimately, Csuites aims to create a workplace that is innovative, inspiring and spurs people to do their best.

Discover how Csuites promotes a culture of inclusivity for its community – visit us today and experience it for yourself.