Neurodiversity, increasingly appreciated and understood in today's world, has become a key term in discussions of office space design. This term refers to the neurological diversity of humans, suggesting that our brains act and react to different stimuli in different ways.
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This means that each of us thinks, perceives and processes information differently. Where one person may find inspiration in an open, bustling office space, another may need peace and quiet to concentrate and be productive.
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© Flokk
When we take a closer look at human diversity, traditional notions of "normalcy" or "typicality" lose meaning. Each of us is unique. The term neurodiversity describes the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways; there is no one "right" way to think, learn and behave, and differences are not seen as deficits. Each person has a unique nervous system with a unique combination of abilities and needs. The level of cognitive diversity affects sociability, learning, attention, mood and other mental functions. The severity of disorders can vary - a modern workplace should be designed to support the full spectrum.
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Neurodiversity is not just a trendy term, it's a concept that can completely change the way we perceive and design spaces. The statistics speak for themselves: about 20% of the population are people with neurodiversity potential. That's 150 million people in Europe and as many as 1.6 billion worldwide. The basic challenges of working in an office for people from the three most commonly diagnosed groups:
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People with ADHD often have difficulty concentrating, and a properly designed space that minimizes distraction can help them focus on tasks. Soundproof booths, for example, or separate spaces using Rooms from Connection modular walls will help create an environment less prone to distractions. Also, ergonomic chairs like the HAG Capisco, which follows the user's movements allowing them to work in different positions to support frequent repositioning, can be beneficial, as many people with ADHD use movement as a form of self-regulation.
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People on the autismspectrum need predictable spaces with as little sensory input as possible. A welcoming environment can be created by soft lighting, muted furniture colors and sound-absorbing materials. In this context, we recommend wall panels from Offecct. Their minimalist design supports the comfort of people sensitive to visual and sound stimuli. By taking care of optimal furniture placement, we can offer everyone an individual work space, reducing stress. Modular Revo sofas allow for creative delineation of work zones. Their organic shapes, covered in monochromatic fabrics, add coziness, while the spaces they separate guarantee intimacy in a dynamic office environment.
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© Flokk
People with information processing disorders, on the other hand, may need furniture that helps organize and prioritize information. Magnetic whiteboards, desk organizers or special cabinets can help segregate and store materials in a more intuitive way for these workers. The Freedom collection from Connection is designed to allow people to configure their own workspaces through flexibility of use and mobility. The core functionality of Freedom is exactly what the name suggests - a flexible media wall that gives employees the freedom to divide their office into smaller areas that promote spontaneous and collaborative work.
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"Design is present in our lives 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and people spend about 90% of their time inside buildings. The environment around us affects our mood, behavior and the way we live our lives," - says Isabelle Sjövall, one of the world's leading neurodesign specialists and the driving force behind the project. Flokk, in collaboration with leading neurodesign specialist Isabelle Sjövall, is conducting groundbreaking research into the impact of design on the human experience in the workplace. The pioneering neurodesign research project aims to study the impact of office space design on people's moods and behavior. Using state-of-the-art facilities, including the unique 4,000-square-meter PEARL (Person-Environment-Activity Research Laboratory), a controlled, realistic environment equipped with sensors to accurately measure the physiological responses of those working in it will be built.
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"If we learn to make more conscious design choices, we will be able to shape the environment around us instead of being exposed to it. This can play a positive role in the future - benefiting people, companies and society by promoting well-being."
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Neuro-inclusivity at work
A properly designed office should take into account different sensory needs, offering both common areas for interaction and quiet corners for those who need peace and quiet. Recognizing and valuing neurodiversity in the design of office spaces is not only a matter of ethics, but also a conscious approach to the needs of all employees. This approach not only promotes the well-being and mental health of employees, but can also contribute to increased productivity and creativity in the workplace. Neuro-inclusiveness emphasizes the importance of recognizing and appreciating the diversity of minds within a team. This means not only understanding and supporting people with diagnoses such as ADHD or autism, but also any individual who processes information differently than most.
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© Flokk
Flokk brand products
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