Ready to make the most of your space and time?
We are here to help you actively de-risk your project and innovate your space–always on time, if not before, and on budget.
Designing for Neurodiversity in the Workplace, Part 2
In Part 1 of this series, we explored the significance of creating neurodivergent-friendly work environments and how balancing stimulation, incorporating biophilic elements, and offering flexible workspaces can foster inclusivity and productivity. In Part 2 of this series, we delve into the specifics of practical design considerations to further enhance comfort and support for neurodivergent individuals and the impact those design choices have on workplace productivity.
Creating Dedicated Quiet Zones
Many neurodivergent individuals benefit from quiet spaces where they can retreat to focus or recharge. Consider integrating acoustic pods and private rooms for an adaptable environment. Providing soundproofed pods or private rooms with adjustable lighting and soundproofing materials offers employees a calm space to work without distraction. In addition, sensory rooms, which are dedicated rooms equipped with sensory-friendly materials and calming colors, allow individuals to regulate their sensory input and manage stress.
For neurodiverse individuals, nervous system regulation can be a critical factor in improving productivity. When they engage in practices that enhance regulation, such as mindfulness, exercise, or Heart Rate Variability (HRV) biofeedback, they may experience significant improvements in focus, emotional control, and overall task performance. Creating a dedicated quiet area can provide a space to engage in those tasks that calm the nervous system, which, in turn, increases productivity.
According to the study “Heart Rate Variability as a Marker of Autonomic Nervous System Regulation and Stress Resilience in the Workplace” published in Frontiers in Psychology (2017), employees with higher HRV demonstrated better stress management and productivity. Practices like mindfulness, deep breathing, and biofeedback training, which regulate the nervous system, were shown to improve HRV over time. Improved nervous system regulation through these practices led to enhanced focus, reduced workplace errors, and higher overall productivity amongst all members of the workplace, not just neurodiverse employees.
One space-saving way to offer a quiet space for nervous system regulation is the Neuron Activation Pod. The award-winning Neuron Activation Pod by Loook Industries uses Neurosonic™ technology to enhance physical and mental well-being. The pods’ ability to effectively remove stress, improve sleep quality, and aid in faster recovery helps you reset, improve your performance, and feel great, which translates to higher workplace performance.
Thoughtful Lighting Design
Bright, fluorescent lighting can be overwhelming, so opting for a design with lighting flexibility is essential. Be sure to consider natural and adjustable lighting solutions. Incorporate natural lighting and adjustable dimmers to give employees control over their environment. Soft, indirect lighting, combined with task lighting, can help reduce sensory overload. Neurodiverse individuals, such as those with ADHD, autism, or sensory processing disorders, can significantly benefit from lighting systems that regulate exposure to light, reduce sensory overload, and improve concentration and relaxation.
Consider circadian-friendly lighting systems. These systems mimic natural light patterns, supporting concentration and reducing eye strain. They can be particularly effective in shared areas or quiet zones. Some of our favorites include:
Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance LED light bulbs – You can control the lighting via a smartphone app, voice assistants, or a smart hub system. This allows neurodiverse individuals to personalize their lighting environment to suit their sensory needs.
LIFX Smart Lights – Like Philips Hue, LIFX lights can be programmed to follow a natural day/night rhythm. They can simulate daylight patterns, brightening in the morning with cool white light and transitioning to warmer tones in the evening. They connect directly to Wi-Fi, making them easy to install and use without additional hubs or devices.
BenQ ScreenBar Plus – This desk lamp has a feature that adjusts light to complement the surrounding environment, based on the time of day. It also adapts to the ambient light of the room, automatically adjusting brightness and color temperature to reduce eye strain. The light is mounted on top of the monitor to avoid taking up desk space, which is helpful for creating a clutter-free environment.
Strategic Color and Texture Choices
Specific colors and textures can be more soothing or stimulating, impacting mood and comfort. For example, natural and calming hues like softer, neutral shades can create a relaxing atmosphere, reserving brighter hues for collaborative zones where energy and creativity are encouraged. Blues and greens help create a soothing environment conducive to focus and learning, while Yellow promotes positive thinking, makes us feel energized, and is suitable for creative thinking.
In addition, integrating textures in wall finishes, and furniture accents can create a grounding effect for a space. Comfort but durable fabrics, like felt, velvet or boucle, provide tactile comfort without overwhelming the senses. Acoustic Wallcoverings like the Groove Wall scape from Turf offers the following benefits:
- Tactile Comfort: The soft, plush feel of felt can provide sensory comfort without being overwhelming.
- Non-Distracting Visuals: Felt can be available in solid, neutral colors or subtle patterns that are visually calming and do not overstimulate.
- Noise Dampening: Felt also serves as a good noise reducer, offering both auditory and tactile benefits in the workplace.
Sensory Control Elements
As mentioned above, incorporating adaptable elements into the interior environment is key for a neurodivergent-friendly workspace. That includes considering sensory input like noise, light, and temperature, which should be easily adjustable to employees. This also includes white noise machines and acoustic panels in open spaces that mask distracting sounds, creating a consistent and controlled auditory environment.
In addition, incorporating temperature-controlled zones within the workplace can significantly enhance comfort and productivity for all employees, particularly neurodivergent individuals. Research from Cornell University indicates that increasing office temperatures from 68°F to 77°F resulted in a 44% reduction in typing errors and a 150% increase in typing output (Cornell News).
ROOM Acoustic Pods from OFS can be customized with optional features like smart controls for temperature and ventilation, in addition to providing sound masking capability. By providing areas where individuals can adjust the temperature to their preference, employers can create an environment that supports optimal performance and well-being.
Embracing a Neurodivergent-Inclusive Mindset
Inclusivity goes beyond design—it’s about fostering a workplace culture that embraces diversity. By continuously educating employees on neurodivergent needs and adjusting practices based on evolving research, companies can create a supportive environment that welcomes everyone’s unique contributions. Embracing neurodiversity in the workplace and making accommodations for individuals with ADHD, autism, and other neurodiverse conditions is not only a matter of inclusion but also has significant benefits for both employees and companies. In addition to the better health and well-being of your current employees, companies that embrace neurodiversity have access to a broader talent pool of highly skilled and talented professionals and a higher retention rate than companies that do not. The facts alone should give companies reason to invest in positive workplace design– the return on investment and people is a no brainer!
Article by: Kristin Conroy, Interior Designer Spectrum Interiors
Follow Spectrum Interiors Online:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spectruminteriors/