Designing workspaces where women can thrive

Khadija-tul Kubra works at a life insurance company in the Capital's Karwan Bazar area as an executive. Her office space is very small and the company has very few facilities to offer to its female employees.

"We have just one washroom in the office with three separate toilets. Only one of them is dedicated to the female workers as we are very little in number. However, using the same communal space of the washroom with male colleagues is quite uncomfortable and I prefer not to use the washroom mostly," she explained.

Khadija also mentioned that there is no prayer room for the women and they use a corner of the storeroom to pray.

According to a survey report by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), female participation in Bangladesh's labour force rose to 42.68% in 2022, compared to 36.3% five years prior. 

"Women are often more inclined towards open, collaborative spaces that facilitate interaction and a sense of belonging, rather than being restricted to isolated rooms. This preference can enhance feelings of safety and inclusivity, especially when workplace design considers their needs holistically"

Architect Ritu Saha

This steady increase highlights the expanding role of women in the workforce, calling for crucial infrastructural, psychological, and logistical enhancements within professional environments to better support their needs.

As more women join and thrive professionally, businesses must evolve to create inclusive environments that foster equality, support work-life balance, and enhance productivity. This means rethinking policies, facilities, and cultures to reflect the unique needs and contributions of women in the modern workforce.

Making teams gender-diverse

At Khadija's workplace, there are only two female workers among around 50 employees and some female janitors. She shares that this often leads her to loneliness at the office.

"This is a very male-dominated workplace. The absence of people of my own gender often evokes a sense of stress and discomfort. I do not have many people to talk to at work from a personal capacity," she said.

Khajida often finds herself talking to the janitors in the storeroom during prayer hours. 

Improving the male-to-female employee ratio in a company isn't just a matter of equity but has been shown to have tangible benefits on productivity and organisational performance. Research has consistently demonstrated that gender-diverse teams can enhance innovation, foster greater collaboration, and improve decision-making processes. 

For example, a study by McKinsey & Company found that companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on executive teams were 25% more likely to have above-average profitability compared to those in the bottom quartile. Another report by Credit Suisse found that companies with at least one female board member yielded higher returns on equity and higher net income growth.

Providing feminine commodities

ACI Center has set a pioneering example as the first corporate office in Bangladesh to install automated sanitary napkin vending machines for female employees. This innovation has inspired other workplaces, including the RMG leader Ananta Group and some other MNCs, to follow suit by implementing similar facilities to support female health needs.

At NEXT Venture, while there isn't a vending machine, the workplace is equipped with thoughtful amenities that cater to women's needs.

"We have spare pads available in the washroom, and I must mention, our washrooms are very clean and well maintained. For those experiencing cramps, there are hot water bags and medications provided. There's also a rest and prayer room dedicated to women, offering a comfortable space with a beautiful view and cosy bean bags," said  Raian Samina, an employee at NEXT Venture.

Samina believes that these supportive facilities significantly boost her morale and foster a positive connection with her workplace.

Open layouts and collaborative spaces

The interior of an office plays a significant impact on women's perception and engagement in the workplace. 

"Women are often more inclined towards open, collaborative spaces that facilitate interaction and a sense of belonging, rather than being restricted to isolated rooms. This preference can enhance feelings of safety and inclusivity, especially when workplace design considers their needs holistically," said Architect Ritu Saha.

Ritu also mentioned that the tendency to implement open layouts in the workplace is now more popular than ever among startups and MNCs.

"An open setup is crucial in startups, where collaboration drives innovation and every team member's contribution is key to the company's growth," she added.

Inclusive elements such as clear lines of sight, communal spaces, and adaptable workstations help foster this environment while mitigating potential issues of privacy, hierarchy, and discomfort. 

A standout characteristic of Robi headquarters, located in the Shanta Forum, lies in its open layout. With the exception of the meeting rooms, there are no enclosed spaces within the office, including the absence of a dedicated room for the CEO.

Architect Nurur Rahman Khan, the partner architect of TKNRK Architects and the mastermind behind this office design believes it is a bold initiative taken by the management. 

"This has only been possible because of the support of the management, particularly the CEO. If he disagreed, we could have never designed such an interior," he said.

Strong HR department with clear anti-harassment policies

Building a strong Human Resources department with comprehensive anti-harassment policies can significantly enhance workplace safety and inclusivity for women. 

Farah Tabassum, an HR professional at a Dhaka-based immigration consultancy, emphasises the importance of transparent policies and accessible reporting channels. 

"At our workplace, we distribute a Google form to all female employees for anonymous feedback, allowing us to gauge job satisfaction and foster an open dialogue." 

This system has reportedly boosted employee contentment and trust.

To create an even more supportive culture, consistent training on respect, inclusion, and diversity awareness is essential. Such initiatives cultivate a respectful workplace, where everyone feels valued and safe, ultimately contributing to better morale and productivity.