DESIGN & INTERIORS
DESIGN WITH NEURODIVERSITY INMIND
George Tilbury, Commercial Director at Consensus Workspace and Co-founder of The Corporate Character And’ podcast, offers his advice on how FMs can take steps to make workplaces more inclusive for neurodivergent employees and why this focus can ultimately benefit your business.
As the conversation around inclusivity grows, embracing neurodiversity in the workplace has emerged as a significant opportunity to support both employees and business performance. Neurodiversity encompasses a wide range of cognitive conditions, including autism, ADHD and dyslexia, that affect how people perceive, process, and interact with their environments. With as many as one in seven of the UK population estimated to be neurodivergent, it’s crucial that FMs create workplace environments which embrace and support this diversity. One of the ways you can do this, is through thoughtful office design.
An office design that considers neurodiverse needs can not only support neurodivergent employees but also boost overall employee satisfaction and wellbeing, and drive productivity by enabling all team members to perform at their best. While there is no one-size- fits-all approach, there are some fundamental design elements you should consider if you’re looking to make improvements to your workplace.
Promoting choice A flexible office design includes settings to accommodate a variety of personal preferences. For some employees, open-plan spaces are ideal, but for neurodivergent employees, these environments can often feel overwhelming. Noise, visual distractions and limited privacy can reduce productivity and increase stress. With this in mind, offering a combination of open desks, quiet zones and soundproofed pods will allow employees to choose the environment that suits them best.
Flexible workspaces also encourage autonomy, helping employees feel more in control. Adaptable workstations, such as sit-stand desks and adjustable seating, allow people to tailor their spaces to suit their unique needs, leading to greater comfort and improved focus.
Avoiding sensory overload Those with neurodiverse conditions can often struggle with sensory overload, so an office design which cleverly balances sensory stimulation with calm can minimise discomfort and distraction for employees, reducing stress and improving productivity.
The use of soft lighting, natural tones and acoustic solutions that help minimise noise levels, can be used to create peaceful spaces for people who prefer a quieter
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environment. Quiet zones and sensory rooms equipped with dimmable lights and comfortable seating can also provide refuge for those needing a break from the busy office environment. One the other hand, areas playing background music and dynamic breakout spaces can create a more vibrant atmosphere for people who thrive on energy.
Familiarity and confidence A clear, intuitive layout will provide a sense of predictability and comfort, especially for employees who may experience anxiety in unfamiliar spaces or who may struggle with navigation. Wayfinding tools, such as colour-coded zones, icons, wall graphics and floor patterns, can help orient all employees, reducing anxiety, providing familiarity and facilitating smoother transitions between work areas.
Moreover, tactile cues like Braille, raised textures and unobstructed corridors enhance accessibility, reinforcing a sense of security and confidence as everyone moves through the space.
Colour scheme Colour can have a significant impact on employee comfort, mood and performance. So while you may be tempted to create a bold and vibrant office, it’s essential to balance your colour choices to create an optimum working environment that accommodates different personality types.
Calming tones like blues and greens in focused work areas can create a serene atmosphere, conducive to concentration. Meanwhile, more vibrant colours like reds or yellows, can stimulate energy and enthusiasm when used selectively in social or collaborative areas.
Collaboration Finally, supporting neurodiversity isn’t about making isolated adjustments or following a standardised design approach; it’s about fostering a culture of inclusivity that permeates every aspect of the workspace.
Starting with open conversations with your team, where they are encouraged to share their personal needs and challenges, will provide valuable insights that you can use to influence design choices. By adopting a collaborative approach, you can ensure that any enhancements you make to your workplace are relevant, impactful, and tailored to the unique needs of your team.
https://consensusworkspace.co.uk twitter.com/TomorrowsFM
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