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.
As one of the largest material elements for any interior, flooring can play a crucial role in supporting the design of a neuro-inclusive workplace. With careful specification, your floor covering can impact the overall sensory experience in a workplace and help manage sensory overload. As part of our Neuro-inclusive Design series, here are 10 key factors to consider when specifying floor coverings for neuro-inclusive workspaces.
Neurodiverse individuals can be particularly sensitive to sound. Hard flooring surfaces, such as tile or hardwood, can create echo and amplify noise, leading to sensory overload. Flooring materials with good acoustic properties, such as cushion backed carpet tiles or luxury vinyl tiles with acoustic enhancements can absorb significant amounts of impact and ambient sound helping to reduce noise levels in the workspace.
Learn more in our related blog 8 KEY PRINCIPALS OF ACOUSTIC DESIGN FOR THE NEURO-INCLUSIVE WORKPLACE
Colour and pattern choices are vital in neuro-inclusive design. Bright, bold patterns can be creatively stimulating for many but can also be overwhelming and cause sensory overload for some individuals with visual hypersensitivities. Creating microenvironments is important. Biophilic colours found in natural, usually neutrals and muted palettes promote a calm atmosphere and sense of well-being. Geometric patterns, stripes and isolated bars of colour can cause visual strain and should be used mindfully and in isolated spaces. Flowing biomorphic curves and organic design references in pattern that reflect that outdoors can also feel much more comforting.
Learn more in our related blog USING COLOUR AND PATTERN FOR NEURO-INCLUSIVE WORK ENVIRONMENTS
The texture of flooring can have a profound effect on individuals with sensitivity to touch. Rough or overly textured surfaces may be uncomfortable for those who are hypersensitive. Conversely, excessively smooth surfaces might be unsettling for those who seek tactile input. A balanced texture, like that of a low-pile carpet, LVT or smooth cork flooring, can provide comfort without overwhelming the senses.
Workspaces must be functional and long-lasting. Flooring should be durable enough to withstand high traffic while being easy to clean and maintain. High performance modular carpet or luxury vinyl tile offer a balance of durability and ease of upkeep. Cushion-backed carpet tiles deliver additional wear performance of up to 15 year by absorbing the impact of foot traffic and can be protected with stain protection treatments for ease of maintenance. Specifying luxury vinyl tiles with an additional protective layer will deliver a longer lasting product. Modular format products can also be replaced or repaired without extensive disruption to the workspace.
Creating microenvironments within a workspace can help neurodiverse individuals navigate the workplace more easily. Flooring can be used to delineate different areas identifying them for example, for their specific acoustic or 'visual noise' characteristics. Consider using different colours or textures to indicate transitions between areas, ensuring these changes are subtle and not jarring. For carpet tiles, gradually transitioning designs are ideal for zoning spaces without creating a hard change from one colour to the next.
Learn more in our related blog SPACE PLANNING FOR THE NEURODIVERGENT WORKPLACE
Workspaces should be adaptable to accommodate changing needs. Modular flooring systems, such as carpet tiles or luxury vinyl tiles, allow for easy reconfiguration of the space. This flexibility is particularly beneficial in neuro-inclusive workspaces, where the environment may need to be adjusted to suit different sensory preferences over time.
Safety is paramount, especially in environments designed to accommodate a range of neurodiverse needs. Flooring should be slip-resistant to prevent falls, which can be particularly problematic for individuals with coordination challenges. Look for materials with a high slip resistance rating, such as carpet tiles, textured luxury vinyl tiles or rubber. Ensuring adequate entrance flooring is installed at a building's reception area to absorb moisture and debris will also help to minimise any danger from slips and falls.
When considering different materials and textures for a neurodiverse workplace, it is also important to be mindful of light reflectance. Shiny floor surfaces can often appear to be wet or slippery and cause confusion for those with difficulties in sensory processing. Light Reflectance Values (LRV) will provide a good indication of how reflective a floor surface is. Carpet tiles and matt-look vinyl tiles are generally safe flooring options.
Ensuring a floor covering product is sustainable and minimises its impact on the planet is now non-negotiable in workspace interior design. As well as specifying a product with high recycled content and minimal embodied carbon, its potential for re-use and the end of its initial life is now becoming increasingly important. Choosing a flooring with low-volatile organic compounds (VOCs) will also help improve indoor air quality, which is particularly important for individuals with sensitivities to environmental factors.
Temperature can influence the comfort of individuals in a workspace. Flooring materials that retain warmth can be more comfortable for neurodiverse individuals who may be sensitive to cold surfaces. If hard flooring is necessary, consider luxury vinyl tile which can feel warmer than stone or wood, and can tolerate underfloor heating systems to maintain a consistent and comfortable temperature.
Designing neuro-inclusive workspaces requires thoughtful consideration of sensory experiences, safety, and functionality. Flooring plays a crucial role in creating an environment that supports neurodiverse individuals, promoting both productivity, comfort and well-being. Focusing on factors such as acoustic properties, texture, colour and durability, workspace designers can create spaces that are welcoming and inclusive for all.
You may also be interested to read our related blogs: HOW TO DESIGN A NEURO-INCLUSIVE WORKPLACE and 10 NEURODIVERSITY AT WORK STATISTICS THAT MIGHT SURPRISE YOU