When distance becomes a barrier, not a detail
- David Langdon
- 17 hours ago
- 2 min read
We often design workplaces, events, and services assuming that moving between spaces is
neutral. A short walk here. A longer walk there. A bit of standing while waiting.
For many people, that assumption does not hold.
Scenario: long distances between key areas
In some environments, important areas are spaced far apart. Meeting rooms, reception areas, bathrooms, breakout spaces, transport links, or workstations may require extended walking or standing to reach.
On paper, it might seem reasonable. In reality, it can be exhausting.
What can make this challenging
Long distances can cause fatigue, pain, or discomfort, particularly in unfamiliar environments or when time pressure is present.
What appears manageable to some can require a significant amount of energy for others.
Many people will push themselves to keep up rather than ask to slow down or pause. Others may quietly avoid certain areas or carefully plan their movements to reduce distance, often without anyone noticing the extra effort involved.
The impact is not always visible, but it is very real.
Respectful language that helps
Small shifts in how we speak can reduce pressure and make flexibility feel normal rather than exceptional.
Simple phrases like:
“We can take this step by step.”
“There’s no rush.”
“Let me know if a pause would help.”
These statements signal that pace and movement are not fixed expectations. They allow people to manage their energy without having to explain or justify their needs.
Why this matters
When distance and pace are treated as non-negotiable, people may overextend themselves just to participate. This can lead to fatigue, reduced focus, or the need to withdraw earlier than planned.
Over time, this creates quiet exclusion. People stop attending. They opt out. They adapt by doing less, not because they want to, but because the environment demands too much.
Allowing flexibility around movement and pace supports energy management and helps people stay engaged without drawing attention to difference.
Accessibility is not always about ramps or signage. Sometimes it is about recognising that distance, pace, and effort are experienced very differently by different people.
Want to go deeper?
Scenarios like this are common, but they are often overlooked because they feel ordinary. Learning to spot them, and knowing how to respond well, is a core part of building more inclusive workplace experiences.
You can download a free copy of our Accessibility Playbook, which explores everyday scenarios like this and offers practical, human-centred ways to reduce friction.
These are also the kinds of situations covered in our Accessibility Awareness Course, where we help organisations build awareness, confidence, and better habits around accessibility across physical, digital, and cultural environments.
If you’re interested in learning more, you can access both the playbook and the course here:
💥 Small change. Big impact.
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