ABSTRACT
Both collaborative and flexible work styles the two dominant trends of the past decade contain a range of inherent barriers for older knowledge workers. Over the past 30 years, a powerful international movement has successfully aligned industrial design, architecture and social activism to campaign for better homes, transport and public access for older and disabled people. For an ageing workforce, there are a number of physical requirements that form a baseline for thinking about a more inclusively designed workplace. With an ageing workforce, it is important to consider how the office environment can help to sustain the health and well-being of staff. This encompasses not only the physical dimension of the workplace but also the social aspects of health. The materials, space-plans, equipment and environmental controls that make up the complex picture of workplace design need to be tuned to the needs of changing workforce.
