Neurodiversity Celebration Week: 9 practical tips for inclusive design

Neurodiversity Celebration Week takes place from 17th to 23rd March in 2025. It’s an opportunity for organisations to nurture understanding for those neurodiverse individuals who make up 15-20% of the population - but, who, in the past have been ignored or undervalued.

At Insightful Environments we’ve been thinking for some time about how we can help our clients support and celebrate their neurodiverse colleagues.

This blog post explores the practical steps you can take to build more inclusive environments that support neurodivergence in your workplace - linking to insights and resources from Insightful Environments and independent experts.

Neurodiversity is a hot topic 

Neurodiversity in the workplace is a hot topic right now as organisations around the world look to improve recruitment and retention from a talent pool that’s historically been ignored or dismissed.

But in recent years the world has woken up to the fact that by recruiting with neurodiversity in mind companies can unlock new kinds of creativity, focus and analytical thinking in their business.

As Jamie Mahoney, Executive Director at JPMorgan Chase, points out:

"Our autistic employees achieve, on average, 48% to 140% more work than their typical colleagues, depending on the roles. They are highly focused and less distracted by social interactions. There’s talent here that nobody’s going after".

In the US, companies like JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo have been particularly active in filling their ‘critical skills gaps’ with neurodivergent candidates.  

Now, data published in the Financial Times, shows how job postings mentioning neurodiversity have risen over 600% since 2020 in the UK - reflecting a growing interest in capturing applications from this demographic.

So, if you’re looking to enrich your organisation with the power of neurodiversity, here are 9 ways you can attract, support and retain the people who may otherwise slip under the corporate radar.

1. Educate your organisation 

Understanding the spectrum of neurodiverse traits that may exist in your business is the first step toward meaningful inclusion.  

In 2024, consultant and TedEx speaker Rachel Morgan-Trimmer spoke to our inclusivity seminar for the tech brand Siemens about the different types of neurodiversity that exist in the world. 

She explained how people with Dyspraxia, Autism and ADHD (among others) can bring different skills and benefits to the workplace - and how the workplace itself can be designed to be inclusive of their particular needs.

This article shares her helpful insights. It’s a fantastic and enlightening read: Types of neurodiversity: meet the 'power animals' hiding in your workplace.

2. Design with the latest BSI standards to support neurodiversity

At Insightful Environments, we are passionate about workplace design that prioritises inclusivity and wellbeing. 

Workplace design plays a crucial role in enabling neurodiverse employees to thrive. One key framework that businesses can now follow is BSI PAS 6463. This standard is the first in the world to provides guidelines on lighting, acoustics, spatial arrangements, and technology that can support cognitive and sensory diversity.

You can learn more about the standard in our blog: BSI PAS 6463 and how it supports neurodiversity.

Image: Steelcase's Coalesse Montara650 rocker

3. Use sensory mapping to understand workplace challenges

Different people process sensory stimuli in different ways. While some thrive in high-energy, collaborative spaces, others may find them overwhelming. Sensory mapping helps businesses identify stress points in the office environment and adjust them to better support neurodiverse colleagues.

Simple changes — like reducing harsh lighting, creating quiet zones, or using sound-absorbing materials — can make a huge difference in comfort and productivity.

For advice about how to assess and optimise your workplace through your own mapping project get in touch with our consultants today.

4. Introduce kinetic and flexible furniture

Neurodivergent employees often benefit from movement-friendly environments.  Many find using kinetic furniture such as sit-stand desks, rocking chairs, and mobile seating, can help enhance focus and reduce restlessness.  

Image: Steelcase's Ology Ergonomic-Adjustable Desk

The Solar Table from Viccarbe, for example, was designed to swivel to optimise working posture. But it’s also proving particularly popular for those who can feel anxious or have the need for frequent movement.

Furniture with these self-soothing features can support focus and concentration, especially for individuals with ADHD.

Image: Solar table by Viccarbe

5. Provide a choice of work environments

No two employees are the same - and a workplace that supports neurological diversity should let people choose where and how they can work best.

Some neuroatypical people thrive in busy environments with lots of movement and buzz; others find noise distracting and can become easily overstimulated. 

Providing a range of work settings - such as quiet zones, collaborative areas, and breakout spaces - give neurodiverse individuals the ability to self-regulate their environment based on their needs.

Image: AgilePOD from Agile Acoustics

The AgilePOD from Agile Acoustics was one of the products used in the recent fit-out of the cutting edge, Wellington Place project for Lloyds Bank.  

Their accessible decompression pods were featured in the latest LinkedIn dispatch from Ross H., Workplace Inclusion Lead for Lloyds Banking Group.

Offering workstations that allow for 'cocooning' as well as giving control over sensory inputs) can also help those with different needs adjust their environment as required.

Image: Coppice room dividers by OrangeBox

Coppice by OrangeBox allows workers to retreat behind tactile, acoustic screens to enjoy moments of respite with homely, directional lighting.

By integrating flexibility into the workplace, businesses can create a rich mix of environments where everyone feels supported and empowered.

6. Foster a culture of psychological safety

A neurodiverse-inclusive workplace isn’t just about design - it’s also about culture. Leaders and managers should work towards fostering an environment where employees feel safe to disclose their needs without fear of judgment or discrimination.

Encourage open conversations, provide mentorship programs, and offer reasonable adjustments to ensure everyone can thrive in their roles.

Our blog about building the foundations for a thriving neurodiverse workplace is a great introduction to the subject.

7. Improve your neuroarchitecture!

In recent years, workplace designers have begun to properly understand the relationship between the built environment and emotional response. This discipline is known as neuroarchitecture, and it's helping businesses develop much more welcoming spaces for those with extra sensitivities.

For example, biophilic design elements are famous for delivering greater feelings of happiness and contentment in workers who are exposed to them.

Sagegreenlife have recorded impressive and quantifiable improvements in worker wellbeing where green walls have been cultivated and absorbed into the architecture of buildings:

• 60% improvement in air quality of internal spaces, through the reduction of air spores and airborne bacteria.
• 30% increase in creative productivity.
• 60% fewer sick days reported.

But there are many different ways the shapes, textures, rhythms and patterns of the outdoors can be incorporated into the colours, materiality and lighting choices that we make as we design our offices.  

And you can read more about them in our blog on biophilic design.

From noise-cancelling headsets to speech-to-text tools, technology can play a vital role in supporting neurodiverse employees. Simple solutions such as adjustable screen brightness, digital collaboration tools, and personalised work settings can make work more comfortable and accessible.

At Insightful Environments, we integrate inclusive technology solutions into workplace design, ensuring that everyone has what they need to perform at their best.

In open-plan offices these mobile, acoustic kiosks  come complete with power supply, work surface and foldable lap top support. They can provide moments for perching and shielding with a computer or mobile phone throughout the working day. 

Image: Steelcase's Flex Kiosk

Steelcase's Flex Kiosk is a practical retreat for tech interaction within an open plan space.

The Orangebox range of office pods also help workers with different needs choose the right places to engage with their technology.  From individual booths equipped with video conferencing tech, lighting, and ventilation control, to larger enclosed spaces designed for group calling - these pods can help minimise external distractions and acoustic interference.

Image: Campers & Dens pods by Orangebox

The glass screens of many booths can even be made opaque at the touch of a button, providing instant privacy for those seeking respite in a busy office.

8. Encourage movement and restorative breaks

Many neurodiverse individuals benefit from movement breaks or quiet spaces where they can reset throughout the day. Consider incorporating:

✅ Wellbeing rooms for relaxation
✅ Outdoor spaces for fresh air
✅ Standing meeting options
✅ Breakout spaces for decompression

These simple additions boost energy levels, reduce stress, and enhance focus—ultimately supporting better work performance. Read our blog on the importance of biophilic design in inclusive workplace design.

9. Get involved with neurodiversity celebration week! 

The organisers of Neurodiversity Celebration Week can help you in lots of ways to create a more inclusive workplace. By registering your support, your organisation can access free resources (including a helpful social media pack), expert-led workshops, and engaging events designed to raise awareness and improve understanding of neurodiversity - now and in the future.

What next?

Creating a neurodiverse-inclusive workplace isn’t just about checking a box — it’s about unlocking talent, fostering innovation, and building a better environment for everyone.

At Insightful Environments, we specialise in designing inclusive, people-centered workplaces that support diverse working styles. If you’re looking to adapt your workspace to be more neurodiverse-friendly, get in touch with us today.