Workspaces work best when they reflect the people in them. No two employees think, focus, or interact with their surroundings in exactly the same way. This is particularly important when considering neurodiversity, as approximately one in seven people in the UK are neurodivergent, according to the House of Commons. Designing offices with neurodivergent inclusion in mind creates space for everyone to contribute, improving the employee environment while also strengthening business performance.
According to Dale Office Interiors, by 2025, over eight million UK employees will be working in open-plan environments, and it is easy to see how this layout has become the standard default. It looks modern, encourages collaboration on paper, and fills spaces efficiently, but in reality, it does not suit everyone. A Savills UK study found that 65% of workers believe their productivity would improve if their office reflected their ideal working environment. Yet most offices choose to ignore this simple truth. Open-plan design is not just inconvenient; it has real consequences for both productivity and wellbeing.
Many of these environments rely on hot desking, where employees do not have a consistent place to work. According to Workplace Wellbeing Professional, more than half of UK offices have adopted a hot-desking policy. While often introduced as a flexible solution, it can have the opposite effect. Constantly changing surroundings can make it harder to settle and focus, particularly for those who are neurodivergent, where a lack of consistency can be genuinely unsettling. More broadly, it creates a subtle competition for space and reduces overall productivity.
Creating a more inclusive environment does not require removing open spaces altogether. It is about balance. When employees have access to a range of work settings, they can choose what suits them best at different points in the day, each day.
Quiet and wellbeing spaces are often underused because they carry a subtle stigma. Seen as places to escape stress rather than as a normal part of working life. In many cases, companies have introduced them more to tick a box than out of genuine commitment to employee wellbeing. These environments can create an atmosphere where stepping away from a desk is misread as a lack of focus. When access feels like something employees must request or justify, these spaces simply go unused. Providing a room for meditation or relaxation is not enough; these spaces work best when integrated into everyday working life, offering focus, privacy, and mental regulation as a natural part of the day.
A vital part of creating an inclusive workplace is sensory consideration. No employee should lose out on an opportunity or be unable to work to the best of their ability because of their environment. Office booths and quiet areas allow employees to step away when they need to focus, reducing stress and improving concentration. Even minor distractions, such as loud eating during lunch, can be significantly disruptive for others, and having a calm space to retreat to helps them reset and continue working effectively. Most office pods and booths offer noise-cancelling features, creating private areas where employees can concentrate, take calls, or complete tasks without interruption. These spaces are valuable not only for neurodivergent individuals who may become overwhelmed in certain situations, but for anyone needing a moment to regain focus. A survey of 2,000 UK office professionals by Workplace Wellbeing found that 81% reported office noise affected their performance, highlighting the importance of spaces that reduce distraction and support productivity.
The need for low stimulation extends beyond noise. For someone with autism, strong scents such as perfume can quickly become overwhelming, while employees with asthma may be affected by scented candles or fragrances that can trigger breathing difficulties. Being mindful of these sensory impacts and offering alternative spaces is essential. Employees with ADHD can also benefit from the flexibility to move, adjust their posture, or change their surroundings without worrying about distracting others. Access to different types of office spaces (booths and pods) supports this natural variation in focus and energy.
Importantly, quiet and adaptable spaces are not only beneficial for neurodivergent employees. At any given time, anyone may need a quieter environment, whether they are feeling unwell, managing stress, or working to a tight deadline. Providing a space where employees can step away from background noise and interruption helps them maintain focus and perform at their best. Small adjustments like these create a more comfortable, manageable, and supportive environment for a wide range of people and benefit the entire workforce.
Reducing sensory distractions creates a calmer overall environment where employees can concentrate, think clearly, and manage their workload without feeling overwhelmed. This benefits not only individuals but entire teams, supporting more consistent performance across the organisation. An inclusive approach also ensures employees are not limited by their surroundings. Standard office layouts can unintentionally favour certain working styles. Still, by providing flexible spaces, organisations enable everyone to participate fully, contribute their ideas, and progress based on their abilities rather than the constraints of their environment.
Perhaps most importantly, inclusive design encourages a wider range of thinking by allowing people to work in ways that suit them. When employees can adapt their environment to how they work best, they bring diverse perspectives and approaches to problem-solving, resulting in more thoughtful, creative, and effective solutions. Designing for neurodivergence is not about adding complexity; it is about recognising difference and providing the space and flexibility to support it. By embracing this approach, organisations create environments that are not only more adaptable and supportive but ultimately more successful.
