Creating Inclusive Workspace

Lighting: a balanced approach to reducing strain.

1. Monitor hoods for glare reduction – providing monitor hoods for employees can help with the screen glare so that the image display of the monitor isn’t impacted by ambient light. This enables employees to work more comfortably and protects against the eye strain and headaches that glare often causes 
2. LED v Florescent Lighting – Fluorescent lights produce a harsh, cool-toned light, and flickering, that can cause visual discomfort and headaches.  To improve workplace lighting why not replace  them with LED lighting, which is more stable and less harsh. You could also use fluorescent light filters that can be attached to existing fluorescent light fixtures and absorb certain wavelengths of light. 
3. Natural Lighting – whenever possible, provide access to natural light – this can be more calming than artificial light. Blinds or shades could be installed to help manage the amount and intensity of natural light. 
4. Dimmable Lighting – Where possible, having the option to adjust the brightness of lights is great for employees with light sensitivity

Quiet Space: Supporting sensory regulation

1. Designated rooms – create specific areas in your organisation that are designed to support sensory regulation, stimulation and recharge. For example, Abcam a Cambridge based organisation, have a ‘Recharge’ room, which includes adjustable lighting, sounds, physical props, and alternative seating. 
2. Private rooms or pods – providing private rooms allows employees to work or take breaks with minimal sensory input, this can support those who may feel overwhelmed in open-plan or bustling workspaces. If you don’t have the space pods or booths are a great space saver.  

Wayfinding and Accessibility: Enhancing Navigation

1. Clear Signage: Incorporating clear signage can help employees navigate the space more easily, particularly individuals with cognitive disabilities or visual impairments. 
2. Sign text size and font: use large, bold, and sans-serif fonts (for example Arial or Helvetica) for readability. Avoid decorative fonts as these may be difficult to read. Text should be at a height and scale that is visible from various distances, ensuring it is accessible to individuals in wheelchairs or those with low vision. 
3. Pictograms and Icons: use clear and universally recognisable symbols alongside text for meeting rooms, toilets, exits, and other essential areas. Icons are especially helpful for people with cognitive disabilities or those who may speak different languages. 
4. Braille and Tactile Signs: consider placing Braille on all key signage, including meeting rooms, exit signs, toilets, and lifts. Raised tactile letters and symbols can help visually impaired employees navigate by touch. 
5. Color-Coded Pathways: assign distinct colors to different areas or floors (e.g., green for common areas, blue for meeting rooms, yellow for quiet zones). This helps employees understand where they are and is particularly helpful for those with cognitive disabilities. 

Colour: Leveraging colour for accessibility.

1. Contrast and Legibility – use high-contrast color combinations (such as dark text on a light background) to improve readability for individuals with visual impairments. Clear contrasts help all employees, especially when navigating websites or printed materials.2
2. Color Blindness – avoid color combinations that are difficult for color-blind individuals to distinguish, such as red and green together. Instead, opt for easily distinguishable colors like blue and yellow 
3. Muted tones for calming and focus – use muted colours (pastel, greens and blues are good) to create a calming environment, which can be beneficial for individuals with sensory processing sensitivity. 

Sound: Managing Acoustics for a Better Experience

1. Soundproofing and acoustics – use sound-absorbing materials like carpets, curtains, and acoustic panels to reduce ambient noise and noise ‘bouncing around’ – minimising background noise is particularly beneficial for employees with hearing aids, as ambient sounds can interfere with clarity. You can also use soundproofing techniques for walls, ceilings, and floors to minimise any external noise. 
2. Personal noise control- provide noise-canceling headphones or earplugs to employees who need them. This allows them to create a quieter personal working environment reducing auditory distractions. Here at neurobox, the Jabra Evolve 64 are a favourite of the team!  
3. Hearing loops – if public speaking or presentations are common in your organisation, consider installing hearing loops to support hearing aid users – this allows them to hear clearly without interference. Solutions for all types of environments and spaces are available. 
4. Quiet zones and flexible workspaces – designate quiet zones or rooms where employees can work without disturbances. You can also build in flexible workspaces, allowing employees to choose quieter areas based on their needs, promoting focus and comfort. 

Temperature Control: meeting comfort needs

1. Individual Temperature Controls – design work areas with separate temperature controls to accommodate individual needs. This allows employees to adjust their immediate environment to their comfort level, which is crucial for those with temperature sensitivities. Alternatively, if individual controls aren’t possible, create different temperature zones (typical, warmer, cooler) in the workspace and allow people to ‘hot desk’ where they are most comfortable. 
2. Enhanced ventilation – ensuring good airflow can help regulate temperature and improve air quality, which is beneficial for individuals with respiratory conditions or other health issues