Companies spend millions designing and renovating their office spaces, yet many unintentionally make workplace design mistakes that create barriers and leave their buildings difficult to navigate and use.
These oversights don’t just inconvenience employees and visitors—they create long-term inefficiencies, impact workplace productivity, and lead to expensive retrofits down the line.
Universal design isn’t just about meeting a set of minimum requirements. It’s about ensuring that spaces are functional, adaptable, and built for everyone – now and in the future. Yet, many companies miss the mark.
Here are five of the biggest workplace design mistakes businesses make when designing their spaces—and how to fix them.
1. Ramps and Elevators Aren’t Enough
Many companies assume that installing a wheelchair ramp and an elevator means their workspace is fully accessible. But entry points are just the beginning. Inside the building, narrow hallways, heavy doors, and poorly placed furniture create unnecessary obstacles that make movement difficult.
The Fix: Design with mobility in mind. Wide pathways, automatic doors, flush flooring surfaces and adjustable workspaces should be the standard, not an afterthought. Consider the entire flow of movement – from the front door to workstations, restrooms, break areas, and conference rooms.
2. Poorly Designed Restrooms
Adding an “accessible” restroom stall doesn’t mean a restroom is functional for all users. Sinks that are too high, soap dispensers placed out of reach, and stall doors that open inward create frustrating experiences for employees and visitors alike. Plus, a lack of proper turning space can make restrooms nearly impossible to use for some individuals.
The Fix: Go beyond the basics. Install touchless fixtures, a full-length mirror, and consider intuitive sequencing of from sink to hand drying and trash dispenser. Also, use wider stalls with outward-opening doors. Place sinks, dispensers and fixtures at appropriate heights. Prioritizing usability ensures that restrooms serve all users comfortably.
3. Terrible Signage and Wayfinding
A well-designed office should be easy to navigate, yet many companies miss the mark with tiny text, poor lighting, or confusing layouts. Open-concept offices often remove visual landmarks, making it harder for employees and visitors to find their way. If people regularly have to stop and ask for directions, the system isn’t working.
The Fix: Clear, high-contrast signage placed at intuitive locations improves navigation. Thoughtful wayfinding design should also incorporate color contrasting flooring and walls, directional lighting, tactile markers, and audio guidance where appropriate. These ensure employees and guests can move through the space independently.
4. Ignoring Sensory-Friendly Design
Bright lights, excessive noise, and poor acoustics create a work environment that can be overwhelming and distracting. Open offices, hard flooring, and echoing hallways amplify sound, while flickering fluorescent lights or dimly lit rooms can cause discomfort.
The Fix: Implement adjustable lighting, noise-dampening materials, quiet workspaces, and spaces that support focus, collaboration, and relaxation. Employees should have options rather than being forced into a one-size-fits-all environment.
5. Overlooking Future-Proofing
Office spaces evolve, but too often, companies fail to incorporate long-term design solutions. Workforces change, technology advances, and renovations happen, yet many businesses neglect to upgrade usability features in the process. A lack of flexible workspaces makes it harder to accommodate future employees and visitors.
The Fix: Build with adaptability in mind. Choose height-adjustable desks and modular seating with options of variable height tables. Install lower light switches and systems controllers, and use durable materials that can support employees for years to come. Designing for long-term usability not only enhances the work environment but also prevents costly renovations in the future.
Smart Universal Design Pays Off
Companies that prioritize well-designed, functional spaces create better workplaces for everyone, not just a select few. Avoiding these common workplace design mistakes doesn’t just improve usability; it reduces operational inefficiencies and eliminates the need for expensive redesigns down the road.
The best time to implement these changes is before problems arise. If your company is planning a new office space or considering renovations, now is the time to get it right.
Looking for expert guidance? Disability Inclusion Solutions helps companies create workspaces that work for everyone—today and in the future.
