6 Considerations When Looking For Inclusive Office Space

When looking for an office - whether you're a freelancer hunting for a coworking spot, an office manager helping your company plan a move, or an HR manager supporting a hybrid team – the usual office space questions probably come to mind first: what’s the price? Where is it located? Does the layout work for our needs? But there’s another important factor that’s often overlooked and can make a big difference to your team’s wellbeing and productivity: inclusivity.

Inclusive office design isn’t just a nice-to-have. It has a real impact on people’s well-being, sense of belonging, and ability to do their best work. Jeni Durksen, Associate Design Director at M Moser Associates, explains more.

1. Inclusivity goes beyond accessibility – it’s a holistic approach that doesn’t separate accessibility from the broader concept of inclusivity. Good design should be accessible, inclusive, and universal.

2. Look for intuitive layouts and wayfinding - Imagine entering a new office and immediately knowing where to go. No awkward wandering. No confusing signage. No need to ask for help. Good design should make you feel like you’ve been there before - even if you haven’t.

An inclusive office doesn’t overload users with information. Instead, it uses visual cues, lighting, and simple, logical layouts to guide people naturally. When spaces are easy to understand, everyone benefits.

3. Multi-sensory features make the space work for more people - Not everyone processes information in the same way. Some people rely more on visual cues, others on tactile or auditory input. Inclusive spaces often integrate multi-sensory elements - such as textured flooring, gentle acoustic indicators, or colour-contrasted signage - to support people with different needs.

4. Supporting mental health - We often talk about physical accessibility, but inclusive spaces should support mental and emotional well-being as well.

Look for offices that include quiet areas, wellness rooms, or flexible-use spaces. These can serve as recharge zones for neurodiverse team members, new parents needing privacy, or simply anyone looking for a moment of calm during a hectic day.

When employees feel comfortable and safe in their environment - when they can be authentic - it boosts their productivity and contributes to a healthier workplace culture.

5. Flexibility should be a core feature - People’s needs are dynamic. One day you may need quiet, focused time; another, collaboration. Inclusive design accommodates this by offering flexible spaces - rooms that can shift from private to social, or furnishings that adapt to different postures and tasks.

For example, a multipurpose room could serve as a mother’s room, a prayer space, or a quiet retreat depending on the moment. This flexibility  allows an office to respond to changing team needs over time.

6. Inclusivity supports better business outcomes - While inclusive spaces are better for people, they’re also better for business. When people feel safe, respected, and seen at work, their performance improves.

Research from the Harvard Business Review found that productivity increases by 30% with neurodiverse teams. When organisations embrace diversity - whether it’s neurodiversity, cultural diversity, or any other form - they see tangible benefits in terms of innovation, creativity, and overall success. A more diverse team means more perspectives, more ideas, and more opportunities to improve.

Choosing an office space is about more than furniture and finishes. So next time you tour a space, look past the surface. Consider:

• Does this space make sense for everyone?
• Can people move through it easily and feel comfortable?
• Are there quiet, flexible, and private areas available?

Read more about how we work with clients, or to find out more about M Moser Associates, visit their website.