Are We Missing the Value that Neurodiversity Could Bring?

The incidence of autism in the United Kingdom is now 1 in 42 among boys and 1 in 189 among girls, although the true number is likely higher due to challenges in accessing formal diagnoses for autism or ADHD, according to the Office for National Statistics. A recent Labour Force Survey by the same organisation found that around half of disabled people (52.1%) aged 16 to 64 years in the UK were employed in 2022, compared with around 81.3% of non-disabled people. Within this group, just 21.7% of autistic people were employed.

It is estimated that 15-20% of the UK population is neurodivergent. While corporate programs have so far primarily focused on autistic people, they could be extended to individuals affected by dyspraxia (a neurologically based physical disorder), dyslexia, ADHD, social anxiety disorders, and other conditions. Many people with these disorders have higher-than-average abilities. Research shows that some conditions, including autism and dyslexia, can confer unique skills in pattern recognition, memory, mathematics, attention to detail, and the ability to resist “herd mentality,” as well as a strong work ethic and loyalty. However, those affected often struggle to fit the profiles sought by prospective employers.

In recent years, the value of neurodivergent employees has started to be properly recognised. However, we still have a long way to go in designing equitable workplaces that nurture diverse individuals day-to-day. Inclusive design sometimes involves practical physical interventions, like wheelchair ramps. For neurodivergent people, the barriers may not be visible; many face sensory obstacles in the built environment.

It is common for people on the autism spectrum to have hyper- and/or hypo-sensitivities to one or more senses. While the severity of sensory issues is specific to the individual, there are several considerations we can take in designing the working environment to address sensory overload conditions, specifically around light, noise, focus, and even odours. It is important to note that these concepts of hypo- and hyper-sensitivity can also apply to the wider population. For example, extroverts tend to enjoy loudness and stimulation, while introverts typically prefer less stimulating, quieter environments.

There is no single environment in the workplace that will cater to everyone, but the creation of sensory spaces within the office that offer a different and controllable experience is important. These spaces can use technology to deliver changes in lighting, acoustics, and even aroma.

Did you know that 70% of all sensory receptors in our bodies are in our eyes? Lighting is therefore essential to our mood, productivity, and well-being. Its impact is even more significant for neurodivergent individuals, whose sensory experiences differ from neurotypical norms. Optimising lighting environments within sensory zones can enhance comfort, functionality, and quality of life for everyone using the space. Recognising and accommodating sensory processing differences in lighting design and individuals’ ability to control their lighting is crucial for creating inclusive spaces.

Technology can play a key role by implementing lighting designs that minimise glare or shadows, common causes of distraction and discomfort, and leverage smart technology to provide personalised control and customisation to suit individual sensory preferences.

It is not just loud noises that can cause distress and distraction for neurodivergent people; smaller trigger sounds, such as others breathing or eating, can also be problematic. Neurodivergent individuals may also struggle to comprehend a conversation when there is other speech happening in the background. “Sound masking” can reduce distractions like these.

Sound masking traditionally uses filtered pink or brown noise played through loudspeakers within the space at low levels to mask other sounds. However, intelligent biophilic (the tendency for humans to interact with nature) soundscaping can provide additional benefits by reducing distraction while also enhancing well-being. Biophilic soundscaping uses natural sounds, such as babbling brooks or bird calls, instead of filtered pink or brown noise. Nature-based sound masking has been shown to be subjectively preferred to other masking sounds. Additionally, people performing cognitively demanding tasks maintain higher productivity over time in the presence of natural water-based masking sounds. Intelligent soundscaping systems can recognise distractions, like speech, and introduce masking sounds only when needed. This is a useful feature for quieter sensory zones, as the soundscaping provides support for distractions when needed and fades away when it is not.

Hypo- and hyper-sensitive people can find odours distracting, such as the smell of kitchens, bins, coffee, or even the perfumes of those around them. Careful consideration of the placement of sensory zones is therefore important. Technology can also be introduced to provide aromas into the space. Recent research has shown that fragrances, particularly naturally occurring smells, directly and indirectly affect the psychological and physiological conditions of humans, significantly modulating brain activity. The use of scent diffusion technologies, integrated into the HVAC system, can provide a controllable olfactory experience within sensory zones that can be automated with the soundscaping system to provide a full sensory experience.

Giving people direct control of their environment, whether it be lighting, sound, or aroma, allows neurodivergent individuals to choose the environment that best supports their working style. This can be achieved through smart technology that provides a user interface, whether through an app or dashboard, allowing individuals to find a sensory zone that best suits them or tailor the environment of the zone they are in. The smart experience can also be tailored to support them in various other areas, such as helping them plan their journey to work before they leave, find and communicate with colleagues and friends in the office, plan their route within the building to suit their preferences (perhaps avoiding noisy or highly populated spaces), and find support while at the office if needed.

Neurodiversity brings immense value to the workplace, yet our current environments often fail to accommodate the unique needs of neurodivergent individuals. By designing sensory-friendly workspaces, we can unlock the potential of these individuals, fostering innovation, productivity, and well-being for all employees. Implementing tailored solutions for lighting, sound, and aroma, and providing personal control over these elements, creates inclusive environments that cater to diverse sensory preferences. This not only supports neurodivergent employees but also enhances the overall work experience for everyone.

PTS has the care, experience and knowledge to help clients create inclusive and adaptable workplaces. Please reach out with any questions on how technology can be leveraged to build better working environments for all