Business Leaders Emphasise Inclusive Design For Success & Sustainability

It is hence proved that inclusive designs and diversity in the workplace are driving successful and sustainable businesses, discussed industry experts.
 
While explaining the importance of design, Dr Veena Shenoy, Founder & CEO of Inclusiv, shed light on the inception of "Inclusive Design" in the 1950s. Countries like Japan, the UK, and the USA initiated efforts to tackle physical disability challenges through barrier-free design. Over the years, diverse movements across different regions emerged, seeking solutions for individuals with disabilities, with particular emphasis on visual impairments and web accessibility.
 
Monika Misra, Founder & CEO of Ikeva, highlighted the importance of designing spaces that accommodate people of various backgrounds and abilities. Encouraging customers to adopt inclusive design principles, she emphasised the need for spaces that cater to individuals of different genders, ages and diverse ways of thinking.

On the other hand, Ritu Sharma, Executive Director of Boeing Global Enterprise Services, stressed the contemporary relevance of inclusive practices in the context of safe workplaces.

She added, “Organisations are now considering not only physical disabilities but also mental well-being when fostering a diverse workforce. Beyond gender equality, workplace diversity is now considered a critical factor for the success and sustainable business.”

When it comes to diversity, people often think about gender diversity, however, it is time to think beyond gender considerations. “Diversity in the workplace extends beyond gender considerations,” said Janak Malkani, Executive Director - Advisory & Transaction Mumbai and Gujarat at CBRE India. “Diversity in the workplace extends beyond gender considerations. Organisations should consider factors such as religion, personality traits (introvert/extrovert), age and cultural backgrounds to create truly inclusive environments,” he added.

Shivani Lorai, General Manager at Nucleus Office Parks, stressed the behavioral aspect of promoting inclusivity within organisations. She said, “Employee experiences play a pivotal role in driving core values like diversity, integrity, inclusion, collaboration and mutual respect. And it should come from the leadership first.”

As the global corporate landscape continues to evolve, prioritising inclusivity and diversity in business practices will play a key role in shaping the future of successful organisations. Experts were speaking at BW Flex Spaces Conclave and Awards.