Light
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Adjustable lighting
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Natural light and non-central light options available
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Avoid harsh, cool fluorescents
Smell
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Move individual work spaces away from kitchens or bins
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Set boundaries on food and fragrance for employees
Focus
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Create quiet spaces for focused work or calming spaces for regulation breaks – accessible without having to walk through crowded areas.
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Avoid stark, bright colours for the walls (particularly red) – pale, calming colours are better associated with focus and wellbeing.
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Allow fidget tools and items
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Allow individuals to sit at desks further away from distractions (e.g. away from a window, away from machinery, away from others)
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Create working ‘zones’ such as ones for group activity, ones for quiet work
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Offer desk partitions for open-plan offices
Noise
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Minimise background noise where possible like office music or TVs
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Have soundproof booths available
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Provide or allow noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs
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Give warning about potential loud noises where possible (e.g. fire drill, building maintenance)
Tactile
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Relax dress codes or uniform requirements to allow different fabrics, textures, fits of clothing, or styles that are more comfortable
Generic
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Offer ergonomic options for seating and furniture, e.g. softer chairs, standing desks
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Clear visual signs for directions and instructions for equipment/machinery
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Make sure all equipment and furniture is accessible to those with motor-co-ordination challenges
quick note
sensory overwhelm severely impacts how much information can be processed and, ultimately, how productive neurodivergent workers can be.
‘what seems like a ‘minor inconvenience’ to someone neurotypical, feels like being hit by a baseball bat to me’
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