Making your business premises accessible in today’s world is non-negotiable. You have to do so much more than meet regulations because this is about people, not just policy. Accessibility will affect your customers and employees, partners and beyond. You need to know that it plays a direct role in the way in which your brand is perceived.
From a business perspective, accessible spaces improve the experience not just for your team, but for your customers, too. You can expand your audience and reduce possible risks, too, and that’s important for your business future. Entrances should be easy to identify and use and regardless of mobility level, ramps and wider doorways can be more accommodating. Commercial railings can also be introduced early in the design and help your visitors to be guided safely and confidently. When access points are clear as well as intuitive, people spend a lot less time struggling and more time engaging properly with your business.
Parking and Pathways
When accessibility discussions occur, designated parking spaces should be close to entrances and clearly marked. You want your walkways smooth and level, while also being free of obstacles. Cracked surfaces and pavements are trip hazards and if you have people in wheelchairs or with walking aids, you need to ensure that they are monitored closely. From a business standpoint, maintaining these areas will show attention to detail preventing accidents, and those accidents could lead to complaints or liabilities. You could avoid that entirely.
Layout and Flow Matter
Open floor plans, wide aisles, logical navigation, all of these things make it easier for everybody to move around comfortably, no matter what their mobility levels may be. This is important in customer-facing businesses like offices, retail spaces, service centres and beyond. Clear signage that contains simple language and easy-to-read fonts also improves accessibility for people with visual or cognitive challenges.
Don’t Forget Your Restrooms
Accessible restrooms should be easy to locate and properly equipped. You need somebody to come in and install railings, grab bars, turning space, and easy-to-use fixtures like low light switches and low flushes to make a difference. These may seem like minor updates, but they strongly influence how inclusive and professional your business will feel to an outsider.
Use Technology to Support
Automatic doors and touchless systems go a long way if you’re looking to support accessibility. If possible, assistive listening devices will improve ease of use and ensure that your business is keeping up with modern standards. Helping to retain your talent is important, and you also want to reduce your turnover, so make sure you’re using accessible technology that improves productivity and morale.
Maintenance plays a critical role in long-term accessibility and making your business premises accessible should be an investment you look forward to. You’ll be supporting compliance and strengthening your reputation at the same time.
Photo by David Brown
