In today’s world, where consumers increasingly back their values with their spending, creating an inclusive environment is more critical than ever.

So how can hospitality and events businesses provide an inclusive, welcoming experience while many are focused (understandably so) on just trying to keep the doors open amid inflation and labour challenges? Really, the question is, how can they afford not to?

Luckily, while creating an inclusive events space may feel like a vague, vast undertaking, there are simple changes you can make in your day-to-day operations, to make your business more inclusive and inviting for all patrons.

1. Designing an Inclusive Space. The design of your events space plays a crucial role in ensuring your customers feel comfortable, welcomed, and included. To create a truly inclusive space, you need to consider many factors, including gender, race, age and disability, and look at elements of your space that you may be taking for granted, such as seating. Seating should be comfortable for all customers, regardless of their body type. You should also ensure there is enough open space in your business for people to move around comfortably.
2. Adhering to Equality Act Requirements. Before anything, you should be sure your hospitality-driven business meets the requirements of the 2010 Equality Act. This includes making reasonable adjustments to accommodate all requirements, such as creating wheelchair-accessible entrances and exits and providing accessible restrooms.
3. Accommodating Hearing and Visually Impaired Customers. Create an inclusive experience for hearing or visually impaired patrons by providing menus and other important documentation in braille and having staff ready to offer support. Consider playing softer music to make it easier to have conversations.
4. Fostering Diversity. Train your staff to treat all patrons with the same level of respect and hospitality, and actively hire as diversely as possible. Building a diverse workforce can bring many benefits to your business such as increasing innovation and creativity, improving problem-solving and fostering a more positive work environment. Customers are also more likely to feel comfortable and welcome when they see a diverse range of employees that reflect their own identities.
5. Soliciting Feedback. Whether through surveys, online reviews, or face-to-face conversations, ask your customers for their takes on your inclusivity efforts and then take this feedback seriously, making changes where necessary.
6. Offering Personalised Service. Go the extra mile by providing a personalised service. Remember customers’ names, preferences, and dietary requirements. A personalised service shows you value each patron as an individual.

Sometimes, the simplest gestures can mean the most to both your customer and employees. Creating an inclusive experience doesn’t have to require a lot of effort, but it is essential to ensure everyone feels valued, welcome, and eager to return.

From fostering inclusivity in your hospitality-driven business to reducing your overheads, Entegra can help you implement tailored solutions unique to hospitality operators. With our deep expertise in supply chain management, procurement, price forecasting and business performance improvement, we can help your business thrive.