Around 44% of people work from home in some capacity according to ONS data. And that means the importance of a suitable working space at home is high.

Workspaces need to be comfortable and accessible. A well-designed home office can not only enhance productivity and create a good environment for working, but it can also offer a safe space that reduces fatigue and the risk of injury.

At the John Ford Group, we specialise in home adaptations, and accessible home office design is something we have been working on a lot recently.

Here are our tips on creating an accessible home office.

Accessing Your Workspace: Doors And Entrances

First on the list is deciding where your home office should be. 

Office Location

The ideal location is the ground floor; not only does this provide easier access for people with reduced mobility, but some people like to keep relaxing and work areas separate. And that means keeping the office well away from bedrooms. 

However, if your ground floor doesn’t house a suitable space, an upstairs room near the stairs makes sense because it’s easier to get to. 

Desperate for a ground-floor accessible home office but don’t have the space? Consider using a reputable adaptations specialist like the John Ford Group to build you a sparkly new extension! 

Room Access

Next, look at access to the room. How easy is it to get in and out?

Consider these adaptations to improve accessibility for your home office. 

Door Widening

Standard UK doorframes are too narrow for wheelchairs to fit through. Not helpful when designing an accessible home office!

By widening doorways, your office entryway can facilitate wheelchair access and improve manoeuvrability for those with mobility aids. Though it’s quite a quick process, door widening should always be carried out by experts because of the potential for wider, heavier doors to risk damage to the structural integrity of your home.

Read more about what door widening involves in this blog. 

Ramps

Does your home office bear steps or raised thresholds? This is common for offices in outbuildings or even extensions. 

Accessibility ramps enable smooth and safe entry to a home office for all users but can be especially crucial for wheelchair users or individuals who rely on walking aids. 

From permanent concrete ramps to modular ramps and roll-up ramps to those you can fold and store, accessibility ramps improve safety and comfort for people with reduced mobility. 

We’ve written a comprehensive guide to accessibility ramps just for you; click here to find it. 

Step Lifts

Not to be confused with stair lifts that transport users between floors of a property, step lifts move individuals shorter distances and are available in both inside and outside-suitable models for areas which are too tricky to navigate. You can learn more about home lifts in our handy guide. 

A Barrier-Free Office Space

Where some people are lucky enough to have a ready-made space suitable for an accessible home office, others may need to make several adjustments to create the ideal working area. 

Adjusting Internal Walls

To create a functional office space, it might be necessary to knock down internal walls to create a more spacious and accessible layout. In some spaces, such as when dividing a larger room, you might even need to add a stud wall.

Lowering Work Surfaces

Standard countertops and worksurfaces can be too high for people in wheelchairs to use comfortably. 

Lowered work surfaces sit at a more easily accessible height for their users, reducing the need for stretching, straining and standing for too long in discomfort. The John Ford Group can install countertops and desks at the perfect height for your needs; you might also consider adjustable-height worktops for a flexible solution. 

Accessible Storage Solutions

Reaching up into cupboards and down to floor-height storage areas can present different challenges for different people, including pain and discomfort. 

Opt for pull-out shelves, drawers, or adjustable shelving to make reaching office supplies and equipment an easy task. 

Cable Management

Loose wires and cables present a huge trip hazard, especially if you’re not super steady on your feet. 

Prevent accidents in your accessible home office by using cable tidies, cord covers, and wireless connections whenever possible. For example, switch to a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse for a cleaner, safer workspace.

 Comfort And Functionality

An accessible home office is primarily a workspace, but you still want it to be comfortable. Here are our top three suggestions for ensuring work is an enjoyable experience where possible!

Ergonomic Seating

Especially important if you’re desk-bound for much of your workday are adjustable chairs with proper back support and armrests. Ergonomic office chairs support your body whilst you work to avoid pain, discomfort and damage. 

Are you a wheelchair user? Adaptive office disability chairs promote better posture and are a wheelchair-friendly seating option. 

Lighting Solutions

Letting in as much natural light as possible will greatly improve your work experience in your accessible home office. Make sure any overhead lighting is strong to help your eyes focus, and consider installing adjustable task lighting that can be tweaked if necessary throughout the day. 

Position your monitor or tablet perpendicular to any windows or light sources to reduce screen glare. You can also help prevent glare by using light shades or paper ball shades rather than spotlights. 

Noise Reduction

Excessive or disruptive household noise can be extremely distracting and reduce your productivity. Minimise noise pollution by installing acoustic panels or using soundproofing materials. 

Smart Technology For Accessibility

Technology is phenomenal, and it’s revolutionising adaptations day by day.

Voice Activated Controls

Buying a smart home hub like Amazon’s Alexa can provide impressive convenience for your accessible home office, not to mention reduce the need to move around to adjust lights, temperature, and other devices. 

With voice commands, users can simply and effectively change the feel of the room to suit their needs at any given time. No more getting up to shut the blinds or adjust the thermostat! 

Smart Security

Enhance security and convenience for your accessible home office with a smart security system. This is especially helpful when your office needs to be completely secure when not in use. 

Smart security systems can use biometric door locks, fobs or card locks instead of keys.

Your Accessible Home Office Is Within Reach

No matter your mobility issues, with the right adaptations, you can create the perfect setting for your accessible home office.  And from design to installation, the John Ford Group is here to guide you through the process. 

We’ve got years of experience installing adaptations and running whole-house projects to transform lives all over the UK. Looking for more home improvements for wheelchair users? Read this!