Inclusive office – how to support neurodiversity in the workplace?

In recent years, many organizations have changed their preferences for collaboration models. Hybrid work has become more and more common, and employees value not only work-life balance, but also the possibility of direct contact with co-workers. As a consequence – quite naturally – office spaces also began to change. They now perform more and more social functions – they are meeting places for teams, the heart of organizational culture, and within coworking spaces – they support networking and establishing contacts. Thus, there was a need to design offices that would take into account the needs of all employees, including neurodivergent ones. Thanks to this, everyone will be able to fully use their potential equally.

What is neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity is a term that encompasses the natural variation in human minds. This concerns the ways of processing information, reacting to stimuli, the ability to focus attention, learning effectively and understanding the world. The group of neurodiverse people includes, among others: people with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia. Due to the fact that modern business is increasingly open to neurodiverse and neuroatypical employees, workplaces are more friendly to them. Taking care of the various needs of such people is supported by, among others: serviced offices and flex offices. Great flexibility in their arrangement allows employees to work in the conditions that are most comfortable for them at a given moment. What should employers pay attention to when considering renting flexible office space tailored to the needs of the entire staff, including people on the neurodiversity spectrum?

Space control

For neuroatypical people, the optimal work environment is a dedicated desk or private offices for 2-4 people to work in absolute silence. Limiting incentives and a long-term reservation system are also important. Thanks to this, the employee has “control” over his or her work station and certain repeatability, which gives him or her a sense of security and routine. This, in turn, affects his work comfort and efficiency. At beIN Offices, we offer offices with a different number of workstations, tailored to the client’s needs. From private offices, to dedicated desks, to hot-desks for people who value working surrounded by others. Thanks to such a variety of places, everyone can decide where they want to work at a given moment – whether in absolute isolation or with colleagues.

Office functionality

An inclusive office requires a clear division into the functions to be performed by individual rooms: where is the place for independent and quiet work; where you can “catch your breath” and where to participate in integration; finally, where you can eat in comfortable conditions. A perfect example of such an intuitive and easy-to-use surface is, among others: beIN Offices located in Central Point in Warsaw. It has been divided into a buffer zone separating the work area from the entrance, a common zone that serves integration and regeneration, as well as further office spaces that are divided into modules. Orientation in space is also facilitated by graphic markings and clear signposts.

Equipment mobility

Furniture, incl. armchairs and seats that enable movement have a positive effect on muscle stimulation, stimulate cognitive processes and allow you to release energy. Thanks to this, neuroatypical people can more easily manage their sensory needs, which increases productivity and work comfort.

Modularity and privacy

Flexibility in arranging furniture and creating one’s own space plays an important role in organizing the work of neuroatypical people. By visually and acoustically separating individual personal zones, e.g. through acoustic walls or plants, employees can concentrate better while being surrounded by other colleagues.

Sensory sensitivity

Acoustic telephone booths and quiet zones meet the needs of people who are particularly sensitive to various types of sound stimuli. beIN Offices spaces are equipped with the above solutions. It is worth remembering about a variety of finishes and materials that meet the need for sensory stimuli. Work organization will also be supported by visual aids in the office – e.g. dry-erase boards, which private offices in Zebra Tower are equipped with.

Summary

An important element of creating inclusive workplaces is education and awareness about neurodiversity. Organizations should regularly train their employees and leaders about the different needs and methods of supporting neurodivergent people. Creating neuroinclusive workplaces is not only a matter of corporate social responsibility (CSR), but also a key element of building effective and open work environments. Companies that care about inclusiveness benefit in various fields – they provide space to create innovations, increase efficiency and increase employee involvement.