Furniture and Design Strategies for Inclusive Workspaces
As a large organisation, you understand the importance of attracting and retaining top talent, staying agile in your office requirements, and demonstrating a commitment to employee wellbeing.
Understanding and embracing neurodiversity is essential to achieving these goals.
With around 1 in 7 employees being neurodivergent and 30% yet to disclose their neurodiversity to their managers, it’s time to address these needs proactively.
Start by creating an inclusive workspace that accommodates diverse neurological needs, enhances productivity, fosters innovation, and cultivates an engaged workforce through office design and furniture selection.
What is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity refers to the range of differences in brain function and behavioural traits.
This includes disorders such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and many others, which quite often even coexist.
An inclusive working environment involves considering sensory sensitivities, social preferences, and diverse needs for focus, collaboration, and mental support.
Even though services like FluidSpace™ make it easy to implement, still only a quarter of office workers have the luxury of working in well-designed spaces for their job requirements…which directly affects business performance and profitability. Probably, because of lack of awareness.
Get Started with Office Design and Furniture Selection
Flexible & Ergonomic Workstations
Provide a variety of workstations, and ergonomic furniture to allow movement and different options based on individual preferences. Include standing desks, acoustic office pods, and ergonomic chairs to allow employees to choose their preferred working spots, enhancing their focus and boosting their mental health.
Sensory-Friendly Areas
One of the most common neurodivergent individuals’ characteristics is the hyper or hypo sensitivity to their senses, such as light, sound, temperature, etc, also known as sensory difficulties.
To help your employees feel more comfortable in their workspace, design private zones with soundproofing materials and adjustable lighting, such as office pods and booths.
Read more about How to Use Office Pods for Better Space Utilisation
Collaboration Areas
Even though some employees prefer quiet areas to feel productive, others thrive in collaborative environments. Bring balance between the two by incorporating open-plan areas with modular furniture that can be rearranged with minimal effort for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, or on-the-go social interactions.
Choosing to rent furniture instead of purchasing allows for furniture flexibility based on company and employee needs, without worrying about investing in furniture you many no longer need after a few months. It avoids the hassle of storing your unwanted furniture, or throwing away, a practice that doesn’t align with sustainability and UK net-zero goals.
Breakout Zones
As important as having private areas for productivity, focus and collaboration, is also having dedicated breakout areas for relaxation and unwinding. These areas can include comfortable seating, soothing colours, and natural elements. FluidSpace™ can help you design your office and combine different furniture based on your needs and style preferences, easily and cost-effectively.
Benefits of Renting Over Buying
Rental furniture is a modern way to furnish your workspace without hefty upfront costs or the hassle of choosing long-term furniture or storing furniture you no longer need.
Flexibility & Agility
Renting allows your organisation to stay agile and respond quickly to company needs. New requirements such as employee hires, downsizing, working on specific projects, planning events, require different furniture. Renting gives you the flexibility to maintain a dynamic environment where everyone’s needs are heard but without the cost associated with purchasing furniture and then throwing it or storing it away.
Try Before You Commit
Renting allows your team to explore various furniture options and setups to discover what suits them best. This trial-and-error process guarantees that the chosen furniture effectively addresses the diverse needs of your employees, enhancing comfort and productivity without the burden of a significant initial investment.
Cost-Effectiveness
FluidSpace Flex™, gives you access to the latest designs and trends, ensuring your workspace remains contemporary and functional, accommodating neurodiverse needs, without worrying about depreciation or the cost of replacing outdated or unsuitable furniture.
Also, monthly rental payments are tax-deductible as a business operating expense, as opposed to high capital expenditure typically associated with office furniture procurement. This is a huge benefit of our office furniture subscription service that is often overlooked.
Hassle-Free Maintenance
Fluid takes care of all maintenance and servicing, reducing the administrative burden on your facilities management team. This means you can focus on creating a supportive and productive work environment for your employees without any hassle.
Benefits of Neuro-Friendly Offices
Prioritising inclusivity with furniture design allows your organisation to attract top talent, as candidates are attracted to companies committed to diversity and employee wellbeing.
A well-designed workspace that accommodates neurodiverse needs can enhance productivity, with employees feeling comfortable and supported, leading to better performance.
Selecting rental over purchasing promotes agility by enabling your organisation to adjust furniture quickly and cost-effectively as office requirements change, ensuring a functional and accommodating workspace without any limitations.
Demonstrating care for employee wellbeing by creating a neurodiverse-friendly office boosts morale and enhances your company's reputation as a forward-thinking and caring employer.
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