At Wise, we believe that our workspace is far more than just a building; it's a living environment designed to empower our global teams to thrive and collaborate together. With a global team of over 8,000 people representing 125 nationalities, crafting spaces that work for everyone isn't merely a 'nice-to-have' – it's fundamental to our success. 

We spoke with Liis Reisner, Real Estate Project Lead, about her role in developing an "Inclusion by Design" approach,  guided by a commitment to co-creating spaces with Wiser employees, and providing an irresistible employee experience across all our locations.

How do we define an inclusive office space, and what does it mean for our Wisers and our mission?

At Wise, an inclusive office space is one where every single Wiser feels safe, secure, and empowered to do their best work, regardless of their background, individual needs or working styles. It's about designing spaces that encourage team work, individual work, connection as well as fostering a sense of belonging for all our team members.

The "Inclusion by Design" philosophy was guided by the rapid growth of our team globally. As our workforce expands and diversifies, our office spaces evolve too. 

How does Wise's office design ensure accessibility and integrate DEI principles across its global locations?

Some examples of our deliberate design features include:

• Physical Accessibility: We design for ease of movement with threshold-free doorways, automatic doors, ramps, and specialised lower sections at reception desks and in kitchens. All glass surfaces, door frames, and handles are contrasted for visibility. Electronic security devices are installed at an accessible height, and staircases feature contrast markings for the visually impaired.

• Sensory Considerations: We have specific quiet areas and pods for individual working, to support anyone who wants to use them, including our neurodiversity Wisers. 

• Ergonomics and Comfort: Workstations feature electric, height-adjustable desks and individually customisable ergonomic chairs. Seating areas include tables with ample legroom for wheelchair users and those with mobility needs. Kitchen appliances are placed at work surface level, sinks are lowered and shallow for wheelchair access, and printers are on lowered surfaces. 

Inclusive Spaces: We’ve integrated gender-inclusive and accessible restrooms, multi-faith rooms for prayer and meditation, and mother's rooms for nursing and infant care. These are functional spaces with comfort and care in mind.

How does Wise involve employees in co-creating their work environment, ensuring it meets their needs?

Employee feedback and involvement are absolutely central to the "Inclusion by Design" philosophy across all our offices. We understand that to create a truly inclusive space, we have to listen to the people who use it every day.

To achieve a truly inclusive space, we establish a continuous feedback loop through dedicated working groups, often involving 

• "Change Champions" who act as crucial links between their colleagues and our project teams, ensuring our investments address critical human-centred needs 

• External partners such as NGOs specialising in accessibility, provide expert advice during the design phase. 

• Wise Communities (Employee Resource Groups), employee-led groups, foster an inclusive environment and a sense of belonging at the workplace and actively take part in ongoing dialogue to build a culture where everyone feels comfortable expressing their needs

A great example of co-creation was our "Dragon's Lair" meeting room in our Tallinn office. The design was inspired by children's drawings submitted by our employees. 

All of these groups help us ensure our offices are genuinely designed for all our Wisers, leading to a strong sense of pride and belonging.