Office Essentials

Creating an inclusive workplace for neurodivergent employees includes providing the right tools and equipment to ensure everyone can thrive. By investing in supportive technologies and ergonomic solutions, businesses can create an environment where diverse thinkers feel empowered to contribute their best work. This could include noise-cancelling headphones for those sensitive to sound, specialised keyboards and screen readers for employees who benefit from visual clarity, or adaptive furniture to accommodate different sensory and physical needs. With the right resources, workplaces can become truly inclusive, allowing everyone to flourish in their roles while showcasing their unique strengths.

Providing appropriate support for employees with diverse cognitive and sensory traits is not only a moral responsibility but also makes good business sense. When staff have access to equipment that caters to their specific working preferences, they are more likely to feel comfortable, focused, and engaged in their roles. For example, adjustable lighting solutions can help those who are sensitive to bright or harsh lighting, while sit-stand desks and ergonomic chairs can support those who benefit from physical flexibility throughout the day. Creating quiet zones or providing personal work pods allows those who are easily distracted to maintain focus, while sensory-friendly items like weighted blankets or fidget tools can enhance concentration and relaxation. These practical accommodations improve well-being and productivity, reduce stress, and foster a more inclusive and positive work culture.

Beyond the immediate benefit to the individual employee, providing this kind of support enhances overall team dynamics. When everyone has what they need to succeed, staff are more likely to feel valued and supported, leading to higher job satisfaction and loyalty. A workplace that embraces a variety of cognitive strengths and needs is also one that fosters creativity and innovation, as employees feel empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. Ultimately, investing in inclusive equipment is an investment in the long-term success and growth of both employees and the business itself.

How to Promote

Sensory Regulation at Work

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    Noise Reduction

    Noise sensitivity causes everyday sounds to feel overwhelming or even painful for some neurodivergent people.

    In busy office environments, these sounds can heighten anxiety, making it difficult to concentrate or complete tasks efficiently.

    Constant exposure to disruptive noise may lead to sensory overload, increasing stress and over time, reduced productivity.

    Using noise cancelling headphones, and noise reducing ear buds can make the intolerable, tolerable, and could even reduce the likelihood of headaches and support sustained focus.

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    Fidget & Focus

    For people who require increased movement or sensory engagement to concentrate, a lack of opportunities to fidget can lead to restlessness and difficulty maintaining focus.

    In a structured work environment, this can result in frustration and decreased efficiency in people's working.

    Providing fidget supports help reduce anxiety and promote sustained focus, making the workday smoother and more productive.

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    Sensory Regulation

    Some people have an under responsive sensory system that can make them feel lethargic throughout the day. These people need physical feedback to stimulate the mind and body connection and stay on task.

    Providing opportunities for deep pressure activities throughout the day can help these neurodivergent employees remain focused and productive at work.

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ND Office Essentials

  • Aesthetic image of open laptop showing a meeting in progress with a coffee cup next to laptop

    A Second Screen

    A second screen for your laptop or PC can greatly benefit employees by reducing cognitive overload and improving focus. It allows for better organisation of tasks by enabling multiple applications or documents to be viewed simultaneously, reducing the need to switch between windows, which can be distracting. This streamlined workflow helps minimise interruptions, enhancing focus, task management, and overall productivity.

  • Aesthetic image of two coffee cups with 'coffee art writing' one cup says 'coffee chat' the second cup says 'yeah!'

    Laptop Stand

    A laptop stand is important because it promotes a more comfortable and organised workspace. By elevating the screen to eye level, it reduces physical strain and improves posture, which can help minimise sensory discomfort. For neurodivergent people a tidy and ergonomically arranged workspace can enhance focus, reduce distractions, and support better task management.

  • Aesthetic image of a green speech bubble made out of paper with three scrunched up yellow balls to indicate speech on a background of yellow post-it-notes.

    Wireless Keyboard

    A wireless keyboard allows flexibility in creating a comfortable workspace. It enables better ergonomics by letting users position the keyboard in a way that reduces strain. This freedom can help minimise discomfort and distractions, leading to improved focus and task efficiency.

  • Wireless Mouse

    A wireless mouse can be particularly helpful for neurodivergent employees, offering flexibility and reducing workspace clutter, which may ease sensory sensitivities or anxiety.

    For people who are hypermobile (have flexible joints), an ergonomic design is especially important, as it provides support for joints and encourages a natural hand position, reducing the strain on wrists and fingers that can lead to discomfort or injury, allowing people to work more comfortably and maintain focus.

  • Adjustable Desk

    An adjustable desk supports people to modify their workspace to suit their sensory and physical needs. It enables easy transitions between sitting and standing, which can help people with attention fluctuations or sensory sensitivities, who may need to move their body to regulate and stay focused.

    Adjusting the height and position of the desk also supports ergonomic comfort, reducing discomfort or overstimulation that could distract from tasks. This customisation promotes a more comfortable and personalised environment, helping neurodivergent people improve focus, reduce stress, and enhance overall productivity.

  • Ergonomic Chair

    Ergonomic chairs are highly beneficial for people who experience joint flexibility, chronic pain, or fatigue. These chairs provide essential support, reducing strain and preventing discomfort from excessive movement.

    For pain management, ergonomic chairs can help maintain proper posture, relieving pressure on the back and joints. Those who experience fatigue benefit from the comfort and support that reduces physical stress, allowing longer periods of work with less exhaustion. Overall, ergonomic chairs enhance physical comfort, helping to improve focus and productivity.