Two new acoustic pods from the hushFree line for people with disabilities

A modern workplace must respond to the current needs and expectations of employees, and one of the threads of discussion about the vision of a modern office is its adaptation for people with disabilities. Based on data from the US, the level of employing workers with disabilities has been increasing since 2018. It is estimated that 37% of people with disabilities take up professional work, and the largest increase in employment in this group was noticed during the Covid pandemic. This has been influenced by the development of the hybrid work system, but also by the general awareness and understanding of accessibility in the field of digital tools and its inclusion in the recruitment process[1]. Adapting the workspace itself to the functioning of people with disabilities is becoming increasingly important. Today, workplaces primarily serve socialization, the possibility of cooperation and a lively exchange of ideas, which may be difficult in the framework of exclusively remote contacts. Nearly 63% of all company employees claim that cooperation and the possibility of socialization are the main reason for working from the office[2]. Therefore, solutions should be included in the design of the workspace that will not limit this possibility for anyone, even due to physical limitations.

Mateusz Barczyk, Senior Brand Manager at Hushoffice

Taking into account the data from the Canadian "National Accessibility Study 2024" report, the physical barriers most often indicated by respondents experienced in the workplace are unsuitable workstation design and noise environment[3]. Investing in office pods such as hushFree.Access.M or hushFree.Access.L is not only about providing solutions for people with disabilities. The presence of adapted equipment in the office increases the likelihood of employing people with reduced mobility. Even if a person with limitations is not employed "here and now", any solutions that improve office accessibility increase the potential of the company's future recruitment processes. What's more, focusing on the idea of office accessibility brings real business results. Based on data from the Accenture report, Companies that Lead in Disability Inclusion over the past 5 years recorded 1.6 times more revenue, 2.6 times more net income and 2 times more economic profit than other surveyed organizations[4]. The trend of inclusion and diversity, a place accessible to all, and flexible solutions that ensure employees are maximized while meeting their needs are the key today to creating the solutions of the future – both in human and business terms.

Mateusz Barczyk, Senior Brand Manager at Hushoffice