An estimated 15-20% of the population is thought to be neurodivergent, possessing talents that are often woefully underutilised. Ensuring that the workplace is optimised for this significant sector of the workforce is clearly vital for both business and neurodivergent individuals.

As part of our Neuro-Inclusive Design series, in this blog we examine how sound can impact people with neurodiverse conditions. It goes on to explore some workplace design adaptations that can be implemented to support neurodivergent employees.

As part of our Neuro-inclusive Design series, in this blog we consider some sometimes startling facts and figures on the subject of neurodiversity in the workplace. As companies begin to recognise the importance of understanding the needs of its full spectrum of employees, Milliken’s  Whitepaper ‘Designing a Neuro-Inclusive Workplace’ reveals some attention raising statistics that can’t be ignore.

Designing workspaces with neurodiverse employees in mind goes beyond mere aesthetics. It involves creating environments that accommodate a broad range of sensory needs, particularly for individuals with neurodiverse conditions such as autism, ADHD and sensory processing disorders.

Seemingly every day, we hear about another high-profile, successful individual becoming aware of their neurodivergent condition. At the same time, companies are increasingly questioning whether they have the best or even the right workplace for their neurodiverse employees.  

Creating sustainable work environments now goes beyond being ‘the right thing to do’ and is fast becoming a commercial imperative. The Bupa Wellbeing Index highlighted that just under half of today’s Gen Z workforce would consider leaving a job if their employer doesn’t demonstrate action on social and environmental issues. With much of our time spent at work, workplace interiors clearly have an important role to play.

As one of the largest interior finishes in terms of volume, installing carpet can have a significant impact on the design and comfort of an interior. It can also potentially be a high contributor of embodied carbon emissions, as indicated in this breakdown from architects Gensler where carpet ranks third highest in the interior materials category.

Specifying sustainable floor coverings usually requires evaluating multiple product attributes. This typically involves scrutinising materials for recycled content, material health and embodied carbon as well as checks on how responsibly a product has been manufactured. Progress made by manufacturers in all these areas has already helped to drive down carbon emissions in buildings. When it comes to disposal of used flooring however, how can this contribute?

A recent article by the World Economic Forum highlights the transformative potential for businesses that embrace the Circular Economy. Similar to how early adopters of digital technologies have outpaced their peers, it recognises why companies need to adapt quickly to this new paradigm where sustainability is no longer a choice but an essential component of success.  

As the commercial interiors industry strives towards a more circular approach to material specification, carpet tile recycling has a crucial role to play. Where manufacturers offer carpet take-back programmes, the industry has made great strides in landfill avoidance by using them in waste to energy processing or recycling into cement and other downstream products. Closed loop recycling is emerging in the industry but remains logistically challenging to transport back to specialist recycling centres.