Promote community education on social responsibility through creative education and awareness signage campaigns

BOMA International defines "common areas" as portions of the building or project that are available for use by all tenants or occupants on a non-exclusive basis. This often includes such shared spaces as lobbies, stairwells, corridors, and entranceways.

It's important to balance visibility with aesthetics and practicality. Overloading with signs can lead to visual fatigue and subsequently reduce the effectiveness of the message.

Prioritize areas where people tend to pause or slow down, like entrances, elevators, waiting areas, conference or huddle rooms, or near amenities like water coolers or coffee machines. These spots are more likely to have stationary or slow-moving individuals who have time to absorb the information on the signage.

Creative signage is a good way to "nudge" people towards social responsibility. A good nudge is invisible, preserves choice, and reduces the mental bandwidth required to engage in inclusive and equitable behaviors⁴² (see examples below in "On ideas and examples of signage"). The purpose of nudges is to guide people towards making better choices for themselves and society, while still preserving their freedom of choice. These strategies can be adapted and implemented in various ways depending on the specific context and goals of the built environment.

1. Feedback: Display statistics and facts about social issues on digital screens to inspire change. For example, "X% of our staff volunteered in community services last month. Join us in making a difference!" or "Our team represents X different cultures, ages, and abilities. Let's celebrate our diversity!"
2. Expect Error: Use signs to remind people of common oversights that could undermine social equity. For instance, a sign in meeting rooms could say, "In meetings, let's ensure all voices are heard. Remember to allow for turn-taking in discussions" or use transcription applications to prevent defaulting to asking the lowest ranking female in the room to take notes for the group.
3. Complexity: Simplify the understanding of complex social issues via infographics and other visual aids displayed prominently. For example, display infographics about the benefits of diverse teams in the workplace.
4. Incentives: Promote socially responsible behavior with incentives. For example, a sign might read, Join our company's diversity and inclusion committee—help us shape an inclusive future and develop your leadership skills!"
5. Salience: Use eye-catching graphics and quotes that promote social responsibility. For example, a large mural that says, "We rise by lifting others" can create a powerful visual impact or a mural/imagery depicting individuals from underrepresented groups working together can serve as a powerful, constant reminder of the value of inclusivity.
6. Social Proof: Display stories of employees making socially responsible choices. For example, have a "Wall of Fame" that showcases staff members who've made significant social contributions to their communities.
7. Priming: Use subtle visual cues to promote socially responsible behavior. For instance, art depicting community cooperation and diversity or art depicting inclusive interactions can inspire similar behaviors.
8. Mapping: Use visual aids to show the impact of social contributions. For example, a map showing locations where the company has made charitable contributions or where employees volunteer in their communities can make the impact more tangible.

1. Community Involvement + Development
   • Highlight specific ways the company is involved in the local community, such as partnerships, projects, or volunteering initiatives.
   • Use success stories or case studies to show the impact of community involvement.
   • Detail how individuals in the building can contribute to these initiatives.
   • "This community garden is the result of the partnership with _____ to provide fresh organic produce." Include photos or quotes from community members of their positive experience and the need that has been met. Signage can be used to highlight the success of the garden
2. Social Investment
   • Use real-world examples of successful social investments the company has made.
   • "This SEAM project provided ___ rain barrels to community residents through the Atlanta Watershed Alliance."
3. Impact Assessment
   • "We acknowledge that we are on the traditional land of the ______ People^xvi."
   • "I want to respectfully acknowledge the _______ People, who have stewarded this land throughout the generations."
4. Social Equity + Justice
   • Present specific actions the company is taking to promote social equity and justice, such as diversity initiatives or fair trade partnerships
   • "This project procured % from diverse companies?"
5. Human Rights
   • Detail the company's commitment to respecting human rights, including any relevant policies or practices.
   • "This SEAM certified project ensured all our direct suppliers provided a living wage"
6. Health + Safety
   • Highlight the company's policies and commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. This can include information about safety equipment, ergonomic office setups, or mental health resources.
   • Detail steps for common safety procedures in the workplace, such as what to do in case of a fire, how to use safety equipment, or how to report a hazard. This can be done through simple diagrams or flow charts for clarity.
   • Promote personal health practices like regular breaks for movement, stress management techniques, or healthy eating habits.
   • Use a QR code to link to a more detailed health and safety handbook or online resources.
   • "Please note: ____ room is the designated tornado safety shelter in case of emergency." Include map to location.

1. Physical accessibility
   • "Please face the camera and enunciate when speaking to help those who are hearing impaired read your lips." Set up sign in video conference rooms near video screen camera
2. Neurodiversity and mental health
   • "Remember to take a 10-minute time out when needed, it can help reset your attention span." Post near open workspaces
3. Ethnicity and culture
   • "Please do not use this microwave to cook foods that contain blood, pork, reptiles, birds of prey, and carnivorous animals to respect those with halal diets." Post on front of designated microwave in a kitchen with multiple microwaves.
4. Social responsibility and belonging / socioeconomic
   • Signage denoting organized celebration related to a minoritized group (e.g., Black History Month Celebration signage)
5. Gender equity
   • Signage promoting equal pay (e.g., "Equal Work Deserves Equal Pay" signage)
6. Sexual orientation and gender identity
   • Use inclusive restroom signage – individual toilet rooms are inherently all-gender. Signage that appeals to the most people (inclusive) without causing stress or confusion is the most socially responsible. Therefore, individual restrooms can simply be indicated by a toilet without need to specify gender signs (adding ADA indications if applicable). If referencing the word "gender", using "all gender" vs. "gender neutral" is preferred.