Designing for Neurodiversity in the Workplace, Part 1

According to an article by Harvard Health, neurodiversity refers to the diversity of brain function and the thought that people experience and interpret their environment in diverse ways, particularly in the context of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurological or developmental conditions like ADHD or learning disorders. With 15-20% of the workforce being neurodivergent, embracing this diversity in the workplace is vital. Doing so can supercharge productivity, creativity, and innovation while reducing turnover. 

Although best practices for creating a neurodiverse-friendly work environment constantly change, below are a few of our recommendations, based on the latest findings, we consider when designing neurodivergent-friendly spaces for our clients. The ideas below are meant to inspire and serve as a starting point for developing a space that works well for all employees and accommodates neurodivergent individuals in the workplace. 

Creating Balanced Environments 

Designing spaces that balance environmental stimulants can prevent over or under-stimulation, which many neurodiverse people struggle with. Our team incorporates natural elements, such as plants and natural light, to create calming and engaging environments that benefit everyone. Integrating biophilic design into the workspace has been found to reduce activity in the amygdala in the brain, promoting increased stress recovery, prolonged attention span, and increased productivity among employees. There is also some emerging research surrounding the multi-sensory experience in workspaces that incorporate nature sounds–adding the sound of a water feature into some areas of the office can increase executive functioning, decrease stress, and improve productivity and working memory. 

Imagine the productivity during a meeting in a conference room with an integrated eco-friendly LiquidWall surrounded by natural light and plants. Biophilic elements can have a profound effect on neurodiverse individuals and also benefit the entire workforce. For more information on incorporating natural elements into the built environment, check out our article on what biophilia is here. 

Flexible and Adjustable Workspaces 

Providing adjustable furniture and diverse seating options caters to the varying needs of employees. Allowing for movement and fidgeting can help neurodivergent individuals maintain focus and stay productive. The National Center for Biotechnology Information conducted research demonstrating that fidgeting can enhance cognitive performance by increasing alertness and improving information retention, making it a valuable tool in settings where learning and concentration are crucial. Utilizing active seating, such as Artopex’s Element Stools or the Kickstand Stool from SitOnIt, can allow employees to fidget while working to increase focus. Providing seating that can be utilized in various positions can also help neurodiverse individuals stay on task. For instance, the Sorta by OFS allows users to sit in many positions, allowing flexibility and the ability to switch positions often. 

In addition to seating flexibility, the opportunity to change their working environment with flexible workspaces can accommodate different work styles and preferences, making the workplace more inclusive. Other examples of neurodivergent-friendly design elements include adjustable lighting, soundproofing, and sensory-friendly materials. 

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As an Interior Designer and FF&E specialist, Kristin seamlessly blends her artistic intuition with her educational foundation. Armed with a Bachelor’s Degree in Art, Kristin’s eye for patterns and colors serves as the cornerstone of her expertise in the field. Currently pursuing a post-graduate certificate in Interior Design and Interior Architecture from the University of California-Berkeley, Kristin is dedicated to expanding her knowledge and staying at the forefront of design innovation. Kristin’s passion lies in collaborative problem-solving with her clients, where she thrives on tackling the challenges presented by their current spaces. Connect with her here.