Inclusive Workplaces in Practice: Building Environments Where Everyone Thrives

Rhiannon @ DES
7 days ago
4 min read

Creating a Culture of Belonging

When most people hear the word "accessibility," they often think of ramps, lifts or adapted desks. These things matter, but at Disability Engagement Services our focus is broader. The majority of the people we support live with needs that are less visible: autism, learning disabilities, anxiety, or other mental health challenges. For them, the barriers to work are not always physical. They are social, cultural, and often rooted in misunderstanding.

Inclusion, for us, is not about ticking boxes. It's about creating workplaces where every individual feels understood, supported, and able to thrive. That's when real change happens, not just for the individual, but for the whole workplace.

Why Inclusion Matters

Work can provide so much more than just financial independence. It's an essential tool for building self-esteem, it offers routine, and can create a sense of purpose. But for many people with additional needs, finding and sustaining employment can be daunting. Recruitment processes may rely on formal interviews that make it challenging for someone with social anxiety to shine. A noisy, unpredictable workplace might be overwhelming to someone with autism. Written instructions without visual support can leave someone with a learning disability confused or feeling excluded.

Too often, these barriers lead to talented people being overlooked. Yet research shows that neurodiverse teams are more creative, more resilient, and often outperform their peers when their strengths are supported and nurtured. Inclusion is not just the right thing to do. It's good for business.

National statistics show that only 16% of autistic adults are in full-time work, a figure that has barely changed in a decade. At DES, we're working to change this story locally by supporting individuals and employers every day.

Principles of an Inclusive Workplace

From our work at DES, we know that inclusive practice doesn't have to be complicated. It often comes down to a handful of simple but powerful principles:

Flexibility in approach
Not everyone works best in the same way. Breaking tasks down, allowing extra processing time, or offering alternative ways to show skills can make a huge difference.
Clarity and predictability
Many of the people we support thrive with routine and clear expectations. Structured timetables, written or visual guides, and step-by-step instructions help reduce uncertainty and build confidence.
Sensory-aware environments
For individuals with autism or anxiety, loud noise, strong smells, or bright lights can be overwhelming. Employers who create calmer, quieter spaces (or simply allow headphones or short breaks) open the door to greater productivity.
Supportive culture
Perhaps most importantly, inclusivity is about culture. Patience, understanding, and open communication help employees feel able to ask for what they need. Awareness training and ongoing conversations with staff ensure inclusion becomes part of everyday practice.

*Small adjustments, like breaking down tasks into stages, make complex jobs accessible and rewarding.*

DES in Action

We see these principles in action every day. At Tarka Yard, supported employees work in departments such as joinery, recycling, hospitality, or media & design. Each individual is matched to a role where their strengths can shine. For some, that means finding focus and consistency in the joinery workshop. For others, it's about contributing to a team, working outdoors in gardening, or expressing creativity thorugh media and design. All of this is made possible with the support of a dedicated workplace mentor.

Our role at Disability Engagement Services is to make sure neither the individual nor the employer has to navigate this journey alone. We:

Support Access to Work applications, securing funding for job coaches or workplace mentors.
Work alongside managers to introduce small but effective changes, like adapting communication styles or providing visual supports.
Offer guidance and ongoing support to ensure both employer and employee feel confident long-term.

One supported employee recently told us:

"Having support at work means I don't feel overwhelmed. I can just focus on doing my job."

These stories are a reminder: inclusion is not abstract. It's real, personal, and life-changing.

*With structure and support, individuals gain the confidence to take on skilled workshop roles.*

The Benefits for Employers

We understand that a common concern for employers is that creating an inclusive environment will be costly or complicated. The reality is usually the opposite. Most adjustments are low-cost (or even cost-free) and the results benefit everyone.

Inclusive workplaces often see:

Higher staff engagement
People feel more motivated when supported.
Improved retention
Employees are more likely to stay in workplaces where they feel valued.
New perspectives
Neurodiverse employees often bring creativity, problem-solving skills, and fresh ideas.
Stronger reputation
Businesses that embrace inclusivity stand out in their communities and attact a wider pool of talent.

Moving Forward Together

At DES, we believe in seeing ability over disability. We know that with the right support, individuals with autism, learning disabilities, anxiety, or other challenges can thrive in meaningful employment. And we know that when businesses embrace inclusion, everyone benefits.

The journey toward inclusive workplaces is ongoing, and it doesn't have to be daunting. Often, it starts with a single conversation.

If you are an employer who wants to unlock the potential of a more inclusive workforce, or an individual looking for support to take that next step, DES is here to help.

Together, we can create workplaces where everyone belongs.