How to Plan Accessible Team Work Events
Sociability
•
Apr 29, 2025
Workplace accessibility does not stop when you leave the office. Much of our professional bonding happens in the "in-between" moments. Do you debrief with colleagues while picking up your lunch? Do you feel closer to your team after a Friday evening pub trip?
From morning coffees to weekend conferences, a large portion of our working life happens beyond the office doors. Creating a truly inclusive workplace means ensuring disabled employees are included in these social moments. When a team event is held in an inaccessible venue, it sends a message that certain employees are not a priority.
Why Planning Accessible Work Events Matters
Team events and social activities are key to building collaborative, trusting relationships. These activities foster team unity, encourage cross-departmental collaboration, and increase overall employee engagement.
When these experiences are not accessible, disabled employees miss out on the opportunity to connect. Statistics show that 60% of disabled people have been unable attend a work event because it is inaccessible. Prioritising accessibility ensures that disabled voices are deeply embedded and appreciated within your organisational culture. It moves the company from "functional" compliance to genuine inclusion.
How Can I Make Work Social Activities More Accessible?
1. Include Hybrid and Remote Colleagues
Flexible work is one of the most common adjustments disabled workers request to help manage care and health needs. Research indicates that 85% of disabled workers feel that hybrid and remote working options are essential. However, working remotely should not result in being left out of the team culture.
You can get creative with your events by:
Hosting virtual events: This could include digital quizzes, virtual escape rooms, or live-streamed workshops. At Sociability, we run a monthly quiz for our own hybrid workforce to ensure everyone feels connected.
Building digital communities: Provide opportunities to share interests virtually through team playlists, book swaps, or dedicated interest channels on your internal messaging systems.
2. Choose Venues That Work for Everyone
Before heading to after work drinks, drop a quick message asking if anyone has specific access requirements. If you are not sure who is attending, always prioritise venues that are step-free and offer varied seating options and sensory considerations.
Sociability’s Accessibility Management System is designed specifically for this challenge. Our AMS connects office spaces to nearby restaurants, pubs, and coffee shops that have been physically mapped. This makes it easy for office managers to search and filter for venues the whole team can enjoy. If you’re visiting a new city, you can also check out the Sociability app!
3. 3. Share Detailed Access Information in Advance
One of the greatest barriers to inclusion is "access anxiety", the fear of turning up and finding a space unusable. Sharing accessibility information ahead of time is a simple but powerful act of inclusion.
Providing this data supports your team by:
Reducing sensory overwhelm: Giving neurodivergent team members time to get familiar with the space via photos on the Sociability app allows them to focus on connecting with co-workers rather than navigating the environment.
Creating a feedback loop: Sharing details early gives disabled employees a chance to flag specific needs or adjustments in advance. This avoids the stress of last minute changes and ensures everyone arrives feeling prepared.
FAQ: Planning Accessible Team Events
1. What if my favourite local pub is not accessible?
While it is tempting to stick to "the usual spot," if that venue excludes a member of your team, it is no longer a suitable place for a team event. Use the Sociability app to find a nearby alternative that offers a similar atmosphere with better access features.
2. Is accessibility only about wheelchair ramps?
No. An accessible team event considers many factors. This includes the noise levels for those with hearing aids or sensory sensitivities, the availability of non-alcoholic options, and the presence of accessible toilets.
3. How do I ask employees about their access needs without being intrusive?
The best way is to make the request universal. Instead of pulling one person aside, send an email to the whole group saying, "We want to make sure everyone can enjoy this event. Please let us know if you have any specific access, dietary, or sensory requirements."
4. Can Sociability help map our favourite regular venues?
Yes. Anyone can snap and add photos to the app, and then the Sociability team will tag them so other people can find accessible spots. Simply just add your access filters and the Sociability app will then show all the verified accessible spots within walking distance of the office, taking the guesswork out of Friday lunches or evening drinks.
5. Why is shared information better than just a "yes/no" accessibility check?
A venue might say they are accessible, but that might just mean they have a ramp. It does not tell you if the bathroom is on a different floor or if the lighting is very dim. Sociability provides photos and specific data so your employees can decide for themselves.
Take the first step towards inclusion
No matter your role or seniority you can make your workplace inclusive. Disabled workers and those with long-term health conditions are 15% more likely to report general loneliness at work. Simple, thoughtful steps to make social activities accessible improves wellbeing, collaboration and engagement for everyone on your team.
Want to be a truly inclusive workplace? Start now!
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We would love to hear your thoughts on this post. Planning a trip? Download the Sociability app to find accessible cafés, bars, and restaurants that meet your specific needs in seconds. You can also join our community and follow us on Instagram for the latest inclusive spots!
To take your advocacy further, sign up for our free newsletter, Beyond Compliance. We provide practical tips to help you champion accessibility in your workplace and everyday life. We look forward to seeing you there!
