Creating workplaces that embrace inclusivity is no longer just about compliance — it’s about building environments where every employee feels supported and valued. Yet, many organisations still face workplace barriers to support inclusivity, from inaccessible physical spaces to outdated cultural practices. Addressing these barriers is essential for retaining talent, boosting productivity, and fostering innovation.
Recently, the Department of Finance introduced the Property Accessibility Assessment Tool (PAAT) to help organisations identify barriers and improve inclusivity for employees and visitors. This tool highlights how inclusivity should go beyond physical accessibility, addressing sensory and cognitive needs as well.
At Avante Partners, we support directors in navigating business challenges, including how inclusivity planning can strengthen organisational resilience during times of financial distress or recovery.
1. Recognising Workplace Barriers to Support Inclusivity
Workplace barriers to support inclusivity are not always obvious. They may include physical barriers like inaccessible entrances, but they also extend to communication, cultural biases, or rigid workplace policies. By recognising these obstacles early, organisations can create a foundation for meaningful change.
Avante Partners supports directors by showing how flexible business structures can address these barriers and provide a more inclusive foundation for growth.
2. Cultural and Organisational Barriers
Workplace culture can be one of the hardest barriers to shift. Biases in recruitment, lack of awareness of neurodiversity, and poor leadership training can prevent inclusivity from taking root. Businesses must prioritise training, awareness campaigns, and policies that encourage diversity and inclusion.
With our expertise in restructuring and advisory, Avante Partners supports directors in building business models that encourage adaptability — a quality that strengthens inclusive initiatives.
3. The Role of Tools like PAAT
The PAAT tool demonstrates the importance of structured frameworks in identifying and overcoming barriers. By adopting universal design principles, it ensures accessibility for employees with physical, sensory, or cognitive needs. More importantly, it moves businesses from compliance-driven approaches to genuine inclusivity.
At Avante Partners, we support these efforts by guiding directors through strategies that align with resilience and inclusivity.
4. Addressing Structural Barriers in Business Recovery
Rigid systems can create additional workplace barriers to support inclusivity, particularly when businesses are under financial strain. However, inclusivity and adaptability go hand in hand. Avante Partners offers Restructuring and Asset Protection Services to help directors build flexible, inclusive structures during financial recovery.
5. Inclusivity as a Competitive Advantage
Inclusivity is not only the right thing to do but also a driver of long-term success. Businesses that actively address workplace barriers to support inclusivity often see improvements in employee engagement, retention, and customer trust.
Avante Partners supports directors by providing access to capital raising, restructuring, and advisory services that create resilient organisations ready to embrace inclusivity as part of their growth.
Moving Forward
Eliminating workplace barriers to support inclusivity requires both cultural and structural change. With tools like PAAT and advisory support from experts, businesses can transform these challenges into opportunities.
At Avante Partners, we support company directors through financial recovery, restructuring, and tailored capital solutions. Our role is to ensure directors have the strategies and resources they need to move forward with confidence — while also supporting inclusive practices that strengthen their workplace.
Learn more about how we help businesses move forward at Avante Partners.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute professional advice. Please seek independent advice before making any business or financial decisions.
