Project Overview

Sanofi, a global biopharmaceutical company, has taken a significant step towards fostering inclusivity and innovation with its Accessibility Lounge project. This initiative, part of Sanofi's broader accessibility program, aims to create an immersive environment where employees can experience and understand the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.

The Accessibility Lounge piloted in Paris Gentilly Sanofi site, serves as a tangible demonstration of the company's commitment to accessibility. It features a range of assistive technologies and adaptive equipment, allowing employees to gain hands-on experience with tools that support individuals with visual, hearing, mobility, and cognitive impairments. From screen readers and magnifiers to alternative input devices, the lounge showcases how technology can bridge accessibility gaps.

Beyond showcasing technology, the Accessibility Lounge acts as a catalyst for change within Sanofi. It raises awareness about disability inclusion, prompting employees to consider accessibility in their daily work and product development processes. This heightened awareness contributes to a more inclusive workplace culture and drives innovation in creating accessible healthcare solutions.

The impact of the Accessibility Lounge extends beyond Sanofi's walls. By educating employees about accessibility, the initiative influences the design and development of medicines, devices, and digital health solutions, potentially improving the lives of millions of patients worldwide. It also aligns with Sanofi's goal of becoming an industry leader in accessibility and inclusion.

Through the Accessibility Lounge, Sanofi is not just talking about inclusivity – it's providing a tangible, interactive experience that transforms perspectives and drives meaningful change in healthcare accessibility.

Organisation

Sanofi

Team

We are applying on behalf of our team: Sustainable Workplace and Workplace Experinece Teams
Other teams involved (DE&I, Digital, Employee Resource groups)

Project Brief

Imagine a workplace where every individual, regardless of ability, feels they truly belong. Where cutting-edge technology meets empathetic design, and where accessibility isn't just a checkbox—it's a catalyst for innovation. Welcome to Sanofi's Accessibility Lounge, a groundbreaking initiative that's redefining workplace inclusion for the 21st century.

This isn't just another corporate program—it's a bold statement of intent. The Accessibility Lounge transforms how employees and visitors experience our sites, pushing beyond compliance to ask: What would it take for everyone to participate fully and bring their best selves to work every day? The answer is a welcoming, inclusive space that combines adaptive furniture, assistive technologies, and immersive learning tools, all designed in collaboration with the very community it serves.

Since its launch in April 2025, the Lounge has become a living laboratory of inclusion. Over 240 employees have already discovered practical tools to enhance their comfort, productivity, and confidence. But the impact extends far beyond its physical walls.

From "Disability Etiquette" training to the innovative Evelity wayfinding app, every aspect of the initiative is designed to foster a culture of understanding and empowerment. The project even extends to laboratories and production areas, ensuring accessibility across all facets of our operations.

By transforming accessibility from a compliance exercise into an empowering experience, the Accessibility Lounge sets a new benchmark for workplace design. It's not just about removing barriers—it's about creating opportunities for everyone to connect, innovate, and thrive.

Project Innovation/Need

The Accessibility Lounge represents a pioneering approach to workplace inclusion—one of the first initiatives of its kind to transform accessibility from a compliance requirement into an interactive, empowering experience. Unlike traditional approaches that focus narrowly on meeting regulations, our Lounge functions as a living laboratory where practical resources, education, and expert guidance converge under one roof.

What truly sets this initiative apart is its experiential nature. Employees can test adaptive furniture, explore assistive software, and engage with innovative tools before adoption—a proactive approach rarely seen in corporate settings. The HandiReality tool provides immersive learning experiences that allow users to better understand the challenges faced by people with disabilities, fostering empathy and awareness throughout our organization.

Our comprehensive framework—encompassing eight themes, 24 categories, and over 200 specific actions—extends beyond typical office environments to include laboratories, production facilities, and storage areas. This holistic approach ensures accessibility across all operational contexts, addressing the unique challenges of diverse work environments.

The outcomes are already evident: employees have discovered tools to enhance their comfort and productivity. By acknowledging that 80% of disabilities are not immediately visible, the Lounge supports all accessibility needs, visible or not.

The Accessibility Lounge establishes a new market benchmark for workplace inclusion—a replicable model that demonstrates how thoughtful design can stimulate creativity, foster collaboration, and create environments where everyone can truly belong and contribute their best work.

Design Challenge

The designer faced a significant challenge in creating an Accessibility Lounge for Sanofi's workplace: finding appropriate space while addressing multiple accessibility needs without a one-size-fits-all approach.

The breakthrough came through reimagining the concept as a multipurpose area. Key partnerships were established to enhance the space's value:

Cancer & Work: is a comprehensive global program specifically designed to support employees affected by cancer and other critical illnesses

A laundry service employing people with disabilities

Rotating eye check services

The lounge evolved into a one-on-one guided experience where employees share concerns, discover products, and test tailored solutions. Through co-design and iterative testing with users, accessibility experts, and internal teams, Sanofi created a space featuring:

Adaptive furniture and ergonomic solutions

Sensory accommodations for various needs

Innovative tools like HandiReality for immersive accessibility education

This collaborative approach solved the location challenge by justifying a larger, more prominent space through multiple functions. Rather than sitting empty during low-usage periods, the area remains active throughout the day.

The most rewarding outcome was the additional value created beyond accessibility. The space became a vibrant hub that normalized accessibility features while providing essential services to all employees.

This project represents an important step in Sanofi's broader ambition to make all sites fully accessible.

Future Impact

Beyond meeting regulatory requirements, the Accessibility Lounge demonstrates that inclusive design serves as a powerful catalyst for connection, productivity, and employee wellbeing. The initiative is driving meaningful cultural change by raising awareness of physical accessibility needs and fostering inclusive behaviors throughout the organization.

As a replicable model, the Accessibility Lounge project is setting new benchmarks for workplace accessibility globally.

To enable seamless access at each site, we are currently piloting a pop-up format designed to enhance accessibility and user engagement.

Other organizations can adopt this framework to transform their own facilities and practices. Through this pioneering work, Sanofi is establishing that accessibility is not merely compliance-driven but a fundamental element of workplace excellence that benefits everyone.