An estimated 15-20% of the world’s population is neurodiverse. But what is neurodiversity and how can we design workspaces to accommodate everyone?

There are so many different definitions of neurodiversity, but the Cleveland Clinic describes it simply as “a word used to explain the unique ways people’s brains work. While everyone’s brain develops similarly no two brains function the same. Being neurodivergent means having a brain that works differently from the average or ‘neurotypical’ person”. With so many people in today’s world being neurodivergent it is becoming increasingly important to design spaces that are inclusive for everyone.

Being neurodivergent can mean that you have sensory sensitivities and communication challenges. However, it’s not all bad! Neurodiversity makes you think differently which can lead to innovation, creativity and hyperfocus. Many neurodivergent people find going to work difficult as a large space full of people can lead to sensory overload, especially when there is a lot of noise. But there are lots of things that we can do to help!

Creating flexible and sensory-friendly layouts is a key part of making workspaces more accessible to all. That’s why it’s key to think about lighting, noise levels and temperature controls when designing any workspace.

Lighting is key, as some neurodiverse individuals have a sensitivity to brightness. As a result, bright or harsh lighting could lead to discomfort, headaches or anxiety in turn resulting in decreased focus and productivity. To make a workspace more neuroinclusive you could maximize natural light and ensure adjustable or dimmable lights so that employees can adjust the lighting to suit their needs. Adding desk lighting could also be a good idea giving everyone control over lighting in their area.

Noise is another key consideration – and this doesn’t only affect neurodiverse people! When there is a lot of noise in a large office it can be overwhelming for everyone. Inadequate acoustic design can lead to issues like auditory overload, difficulty concentrating and communication issues. Open plan offices, which are very common in today’s work environment, have a lack of physical barriers which can create a chaotic and stressful environment.

But this isn’t hard to fix. Including several acoustic solutions in your designs can have a massive positive impact. Adding acoustic wall panels, acoustic screens, ceiling rafts, lighting and other solutions into open plan offices makes the space more comfortable for everyone – and they are becoming a necessity in any workspace design project.

Temperature control is another often-forgotten element of office design which can have an impact on the comfort of individuals. Some neurodivergent people have a heightened sensitivity to temperature making being able to control variations extremely important.