As hybrid working continues to shape the modern office environment, it’s crucial for businesses to prioritise their employees’ mental and physical health and wellbeing, both at home and in the office. This includes ensuring neurodivergent people also feel comfortable and supported at work.
While company culture undoubtedly influences employee wellbeing, the layout of office space holds even greater significance. Thoughtful design is essential, and requires thoughtful planning that champion’s diversity and fosters inclusivity.
Understanding Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity refers to the natural variations in the human brain that affect how individuals think, learn, and interact with the world. It’s known that more than 15% of UK adults in the workforce are neurodivergent, with conditions including autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and ADHD, with just 21% of that number with autism, and another half of those with a physical disability.
Neurodivergent individuals bring unique attributes to the workplace, but are generally unable to thrive within the norms of a traditional office. For example, many people with autism excel in logical reasoning and attention to detail, while individuals with ADHD might demonstrate high levels of creativity and problem-solving. By accommodating these diverse ways of thinking, businesses can foster innovation and improve overall performance.
Beyond One-Size-Fits-All
Traditional office designs often fall short of catering to the needs of neurodivergent employees. The shift to hybrid working offers an opportunity to rethink and redesign workspaces to be more inclusive. This means moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach and creating environments that cater to a variety of sensory as well as functional needs.
One effective strategy is to offer personalised workspaces. This can involve adjustable desks and chairs, personalised lighting options, and letting employees’ customise their work area. By giving staff control over their environment, they can create a space that minimises distractions and enhances productivity, and that goes for everyone.
People do not have to change who they are to fit into a space thanks to more inclusive design. Instead, an environment can be tweaked to better the neurotypical and neurodivergent equally.
Key Elements of an Inclusive Workspace
Neurodivergent individuals may experience heightened sensitivity to sensory inputs from noise and light to colours and textures. To achieve a workspace that is comfortable for everyone, consider the following design strategies:
Acoustic Control: Even if divided by cubicles, the noise and movement of open-plan offices can be overwhelming. The social culture can also increase noise levels, typically involving background conversations, sudden laughter and now more than ever, virtual calls. However, by implementing sound-absorbing materials, acoustic panels, and partitioning systems quiet zones can be specified to help foster a calmer environment. For example, incorporating partitions alongside sound-absorbing materials can reduce noise levels, and strategically placing plants can help absorb sound.
Lighting: Harsh fluorescent lighting can be distressing for some individuals. Incorporate natural light through windows and skylights, and use adjustable lighting options to allow employees to control their workspace illumination. Task lighting can provide focused light for detailed work, while dimmable lights allow for adjustment based on personal preference. In this instance, opting for glass partitioning systems is an effective solution to creating distinct zones without compromising on natural sunlight.
Textures and Colours: Thoughtful use of textures and colours can create a soothing atmosphere. Avoid overly bright or clashing colours and choose materials that are pleasant to touch and look at. Soft furnishings and natural materials like wood can create a warm, inviting environment.
Temperature Control: Providing individual climate control options can help accommodate different thermal comfort needs. Some people may prefer a cooler environment, while others might feel more comfortable with warmth. Flexible temperature settings can help everyone stay comfortable.
Biophilia: Rooted in the idea that humans possess an inherent inclination to connect with nature and other life forms, biophilia offers a cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing approach to mitigating, or even eliminating, common office triggers and distractions.
For neurodivergent employees, access to natural elements can provide a soothing effect and improve air quality, addressing sensory overstimulation. However, the effects of biophilia extend beyond neurodivergent individuals, benefitting the entire workforce.
Research indicates that integrating nature into the workplace reduces boredom and stress while increasing overall well-being by up to 15%. Delivering more interior green spaces, natural daylight, and vibrant colours not only boosts productivity and creativity but also fosters a sense of value and support among employees. Using glass walls and partitions effectively allows natural light to permeate the space, instantly creating a stronger connection to the outdoors while maintaining desired levels of noise and privacy.
Flexible Workspaces
Hybrid working has highlighted the need for flexible workspaces that cater to different tasks and moods. Offering a variety of settings allows employees to choose the environment that best suits their needs at any given time:
- Quiet Zones: Provide enclosed spaces for high-focus work where employees can concentrate without interruptions. These zones can be equipped with soundproofing materials and ergonomic furniture to create a productive working environment.
- Collaborative Areas: Design open spaces for socialising and teamwork, equipped with comfortable furniture and collaborative tools such as whiteboards, screens, and flexible seating arrangements. These areas should encourage interaction and idea-sharing while allowing for movement.
- Relaxation Areas: Create areas where employees can unwind and recharge, with elements like plants, plenty of seating, and calming decor. These spaces can include features like meditation rooms, nap pods, and quiet corners for reading or reflection.
Of course, it’s not realistic to expect organisations to design for individual needs. However, as demonstrated above, we may still achieve the intended result, a space fit for everyone to feel capable of working efficiently. Above all, this reduces the appearance of difference.
Ultimately, when fitting-out for neurodiversity, it’s essential to consider all five senses to create an immersive experience, rather than just an office for work; a sensory-rich workspace that aligns with all personalities and working styles, whilst also accommodating neurodivergent individuals or those with disabilities.
Gerard Milliken, Divisional Director – Design, Optima Products