Inclusive Spaces: Innovative Office Design for Neurodiverse Needs

Many decision-makers have focused on uplifting neurologically divergent individuals through novel hiring approaches and training exercises, perhaps neglecting the role their work environment plays in performance and well-being. Interior designers are uniquely responsible for promoting inclusiveness and meeting non-neurotypical groups’ needs through innovative office design—which can improve the overall occupant experience.

The Need for a Neuroinclusive Workplace

Neurodivergence is an informal, nonmedical term that describes differences in the human brain that affect cognitive functioning, behavioral patterns, and sensory processing. As a result, individuals’ emotions, thoughts, perceptions, or communication styles may differ. While this label is often used to identify a subgroup of people, it covers a range of conditions.

Any deviation from what is considered neurotypical—how society expects people to behave and process information—falls under neurodivergence. It’s estimated that 15%–20% of the global population exhibits some type of neurodivergence, but the true figure may be much higher.

In the wake of remote work brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, many employers realized the potential of a neuroinclusive workspace for the first time. While circumstances surrounding the initial surge in telework were grim, they forced decision-makers to confront their space’s lack of accommodation.

Busy open office with multiple employees in co-working space — Open office environments may overstimulate or energize workers, depending on their sensitivity to visual, auditory, and olfactory distraction.

Many workplaces were inadvertently designed for neurotypical workers. Architectural and design choices like fully open-concept offices or overhead fluorescent lights are neither accessible nor sensory-friendly. Without proper accommodation, staff members may experience negative moods, mental exhaustion, or deteriorating work performance.

Why design with neurodiversity in mind? Non-neurotypical adults often have unconventional preferences and needs. Interior design professionals must consider these requirements for legal, ethical, and psychological reasons.

Compliance

The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) covers some neurodivergent conditions such as autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, among others. While many leaders provide reasonable accommodations, their efforts may be inadequate—some individuals may diminish their situation to safeguard against adverse social and business outcomes.

While increasing awareness and acceptance of atypical cognitive functioning are on the rise, many people still fear making their condition known to employers. Building accessible, inclusive spaces is essential for bridging this gap and ensuring no employer unknowingly denies reasonable accommodations.

Inclusiveness

Society’s tendency to treat neurodivergence as a set of undesirable disorders couldn’t be further from reality. According to Deloitte, neurodivergent individuals are up to 30% more productive than their neurotypical co-workers. Research has consistently shown they often exceed performance expectations, making them increasingly sought after in business contexts.

That said, their environment must be the ideal workspace for them to reach their full potential. Cognitive, social, sensory, and physical exhaustion occurs when the intersection between a differently abled person and their environment is misaligned, causing productivity loss. A neuroinclusive space can alleviate these adverse effects, supporting their well-being.

Distinct seating area alongside open office floorplan — Greenery, splashes of color, and a distinct separation from open desk areas can provide a respite during the workday.

Synergy Between Inclusive Design and Neurodiversity

Design and neurodiversity are synergistic. Interior design professionals who prioritize inclusivity passively accommodate more unique needs while serving the requisites of neurotypical individuals, thereby elevating all occupants’ experiences. Considering their plan’s psychological impact enables them to create sensory-friendly spaces.

Approaching interior design from a non-neurotypical standpoint allows industry professionals to create for the senses instead of for purely aesthetic or practical purposes. Neuroinclusive spaces represent the precipice between form and function. This interplay enables a dynamic habitation that makes the workplace accessible for all its inhabitants.

Accommodating a broad range of neurological conditions in commercial spaces is essential for making the built environment inclusive. Findings from Stanford Medicine reveal that the unemployment rate for the neurodivergent population is as high as 80%, underscoring the importance of capitalizing on the synergy between design and neurodiversity.

Creating a space that is considerate of various neurodivergent conditions is complex. However, approaching planning with sight, sound, touch, and smell in mind simplifies the process. Since staff members’ needs will differ, sensory zoning is vital.

Vital Elements of Inclusive Office Spaces

The design of a neuroinclusive office should focus on the senses. Commercial interior designers must be conscious of differently abled peoples’ sensitivities.

Sound. Commercial interior designers are no strangers to acoustic design since research shows that noise-canceling shades reduce employees’ stress levels and improve concentration. To be neuroinclusive, they should designate quiet and loud zones for hyper- and hyposensitive people.

Sight. Visual clutter can easily overstimulate workers. Considering approximately one in 20 individuals has sensory processing issues, addressing sight is essential. Muted colors, bare walls, simplistic patterns, and earth tones can facilitate relaxation.

Conversely, those with attention disorders or autism may engage in sensory-seeking behaviors. Busy patterns, potted plants, gallery walls, and brightly colored decorations can stimulate them, assisting with engagement and focus.

Besides visual clutter, professionals should prioritize lighting. Many people with sensory issues can’t handle harsh lighting. Dimmable, natural, or full-spectrum lights are essential alternatives for making spaces comfortable.

Smell. Honeywell’s third annual Healthy Buildings Survey found that 74% of employees feel concerned about their building’s indoor air quality, with 43% reporting significant or extreme worry. This is a seven percentage point increase from the previous survey.

This percentage may be higher among the neurodivergent population since many are sensitive to smells. Anything from a break room microwave to dust in an air conditioning unit can cause distress. Professionals should work around ventilation and air purification to minimize discomfort.

Touch. People prone to hyperactivity may have to move and fidget throughout the day instead of sitting still. Moreover, touching particularly rough, scratchy, or velvety materials may cause immediate discomfort for those with sensory processing issues.

Neuroinclusive interiors should have furniture upholstered with non-triggering materials to accommodate touch-based elements. Professionals should also consider incorporating walking pads, swivel stools, and standing desks.

Translating Key Elements to Design Features

Creating a space that is considerate of various neurodivergent conditions is complex. However, approaching planning with sight, sound, touch, and smell in mind simplifies the process. Since staff members’ needs will differ, sensory zoning is vital. At the very least, designers should offer hypersensitive and hyposensitive groups two distinct spaces.

The visual discrepancies between the two zones will be enough to subconsciously guide employees without pressuring them. Of course, if additions like privacy pods or communal seating areas are incorporated into the final design, they will give people on the fence a good idea of where to work depending on their immediate needs.