When sitting down takes more effort than the meeting itself

Most workplaces assume that seating is neutral.

Pull up a chair. Sit down. Stand up when you are done.

It is treated as a non-issue. Something so ordinary it rarely warrants a second thought.

But for many people, seating is not neutral at all.

It can be a source of strain, discomfort, or quiet calculation before the meeting even begins.

The everyday moment

A person enters a room where seating is fixed in place, low to the ground, or difficult to get in and out of.

The chairs look modern.

The layout looks intentional.

Nothing appears obviously inaccessible.

So the assumption is that everything is fine.

What often goes unnoticed

Low or fixed seating can place pressure on joints, require significant effort to stand, or cause discomfort that builds over time.

That extra effort might look like:

• Lowering themselves slowly and carefully

• Avoiding standing up during the session

• Shifting position repeatedly to manage discomfort

• Leaving early to avoid the strain of getting up again

Most people will not say anything.

They do not want to interrupt.

They do not want to ask for special treatment.

They do not want to explain their body or justify a need.

So they sit.

They endure.

They adapt quietly.

Why this matters for workplace experience

When someone is focused on managing discomfort, they have less capacity for:

• Concentrating on what is being said

• Contributing confidently

•  Staying present for the full discussion

• Engaging without distraction

Over time, repeated experiences like this shape behaviour.

People may disengage earlier, avoid certain rooms, or decline invitations altogether.

These responses are often misread as disinterest or lack of commitment, when they are simply practical ways of avoiding physical strain.

What a small change looks like

Accessibility here is not about replacing all furniture.

It is about flexibility, awareness, and permission.

Small changes might sound like:

• “We can adjust the seating if that helps.”

• “You’re welcome to choose what’s most comfortable.”

• “Let me know if another option would work better.”

Even offering the choice matters.

It removes the burden from the individual to ask, explain, or draw attention to themselves.

The bigger picture

Accessibility barriers are rarely dramatic.

They are often quiet, physical, and cumulative.

When seating supports comfort and ease, people can focus their energy on participation rather than endurance.

That is not special treatment.

That is good workplace design.

💥 Small change. Big impact.

Want more everyday moments like this?

This is one example from The BlindSpot Accessibility Playbook, a practical resource designed to help teams notice everyday barriers and respond in more thoughtful, respectful ways.

The playbook covers mobility, vision, hearing, neurodivergence, and mental health experiences across physical, digital, procedural, and cultural parts of work.

If you want a simple way to start better conversations about accessibility in everyday work, the playbook is a good place to begin.

Download your free copy here: The BlindSpot Accessibility Playbook