Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces

Assist the growing neurodivergent population with strategic adjustments to physical spaces

Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces: Advancing Sensory Processing and Cognitive Well-Being in the Built Environment explores how to employ strategic spatial zoning and sequencing, sensory zones, patterns, textures, colors, lighting, and soundscaping to create spaces that cater to the various sensory needs of neurodivergent individuals, who now make up 1/5 of the world's population. This group possesses unique strengths that can be harnessed if they are in environments designed to be welcoming and supportive of their needs.

Written by Kay Sargent of HOK, a leader in the field of workplace design and architecture, this groundbreaking book argues that even minor adjustments to physical spaces can drive giant improvements in cognitive function, fulfillment, and belonging for both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals.

Some of the topics explored in this book include:

• Reimagining the design of offices and workplaces through a neuroinclusive lens
• Optimizing spaces to accommodate hypersensitivities across all six work modalities, ranging from focused tasks to collaborative endeavors
• Inclusion practices to boost productivity in the workplace and transform high-stress environments into more welcoming and functional spaces for everyone

Filled with practical, actionable strategies for designing spaces that embrace and empower individuals across the neurodiversity spectrum, Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces is a timely, essential read for all forward-thinking HR, DEI, and accessibility teams, as well as architects and interior designers.

Foreword xi

Preface xv

Chapter 1 Framing the Issue 1

Origin Story 1

The Pitfalls of Well-Intentioned Design 7

Understanding Neurodiversity 8

The Opportunities 9

A Growing Awareness 11

HOK’s Research on Designing for Inclusion 13

The Value of Neuroinclusive Design 13

Chapter 2 Defining Neurotypes 17

Types of Neurodivergence 18

Neurodiversity and Mental Health 28

Chapter 3 Great for Business 35

The Business Case for Neurodiversity 35

Cognitive Diversity: Breaking Down Groupthink 37

Impact on Business Performance 38

Challenges and Accommodations 40

Designing Inclusive Workplaces 40

Chapter 4 Human Functioning and Sensory Processing 45

Three Interconnected Systems 46

Sensory Processing: Foundation and Mechanisms 49

Sensory Thresholds and Processing Challenges 52

Coping Mechanisms and Perception Variances 56

Designing for Diverse Functioning 59

Chapter 5 Sensory Intelligence 63

The Sensory Matrix™ 63

Chapter 6 Survey Findings 79

Survey One: All Neurodivergent Populations 79

Surveys Two and Three: Mixed Neurotype Population 81

Survey Four: Mixed Neurotype Scientific Population 89

Challenges in the Built Environment 93

Survey Five: ZHAW ADD/ADHD Sensory Challenges Survey 103

Design Strategies and Recommendations 107

Chapter 7 Senses and Degree of Stimulation 109

Accommodating Sensory Needs 110

Visual 111

Auditory 115

Tactile 118

Olfactory 119

Gustatory 120

Proprioception, Interoception, and Vestibular 121

Chapter 8 Environmental Influences 127

Neuroaesthetics and the Built Environment 128

Environmental Factors Affecting Workplace Comfort 128

Principles of Design 130

Elements of Design 131

Chapter 9 Other Elements to Consider 155

Biophilia 155

Wayfinding 159

Multisensory Rooms 161

Safety and Well-Being 165

Focus Flow 168

Chapter 10 Degrees of Inclusive Design 175

Accessible Design 175

Universal Design 176

Contents ix

Inclusive Design 177

Equitable Design 181

Chapter 11 HOK’s Approach to Inclusive Design 189

Organizational DNA 190

Defining Personas, Work Settings, and Gathering Profiles 193

Six Work Modes 198

Spatial Sequencing 199

Power of the 6 to the 48 201

Journey Mapping 202

Chapter 12 Steps Toward Designing for Inclusion 205

Redefining Disability 206

Creating Inclusive Workplaces 207

Chapter 13 Design Considerations 217

The Premise of Inclusive Design 217

Six Modalities of Work 223

HOK’s Design Considerations 233

Chapter 14 The Three-Legged Stool 243

Leg One: Addressing Operational Strategies 244

Leg Two: Designing an Inclusive Built Environment 247

Leg Three: Enabling Individual Adjustments 248

Chapter 15 Going Forward 255

Growing Awareness and Increasing Diagnosis 256

Technological Developments 260

Changing Landscape 261

More Comprehensive Approach 263

Afterword 265

Notes 267

Acknowledgments 305

About the Author 309

What We Do 313

Index 315

KAY SARGENT is the Director of Thought Leadership, Interiors, at HOK, a leading organization in the field of workplace design and architecture. She sits on the Delos Advisory Board alongside renowned wellness and sustainability advocates and is the winner of the IFMA Distinguished Author Award for research on neurodiversity.

Too often, our work environments are not designed for productivity or inclusion. And while that can certainly be an inconvenience for neurotypical people, it can be downright exclusionary for neurodivergent people who might find it impossible to work in a poorly designed work environment.

In Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces: Advancing Sensory Processing and Cognitive Well-Being in the Built Environment, renowned inclusive workplace design expert Kay Sargent delivers a practical and startlingly insightful new take on how to create spaces that work for neurodivergent individuals while helping everyone thrive.

You’ll learn how to employ strategic spatial zoning and sequencing, sensory zones, patterns, textures, colors, lighting, and soundscaping to cater to a group that conservatively makes up approximately 1/5 of the world’s population. You’ll also discover how to make minor adjustments to physical spaces that generate a positive impact in the areas of cognitive function, fulfillment, and belonging for neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals.

Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces reimagines the design of offices and workplaces through a neuroinclusive lens, optimizing spaces to accommodate hypersensitivities across six different work modalities, ranging from focused tasks to collaborative endeavors. It shows you how to transform high-stress environments into welcoming and functional spaces where everyone can be productive and comfortable.

Filled with actionable, hands-on strategies for designing spaces that empower all kinds of people from across the neurodiversity spectrum, this book weaves together client stories, interviews with inclusion experts, thought leaders, and individuals who have inspired us, as well as profiles of well-known innovators and creators, and personal insights. This timely and essential resource serves architects, interior designers, real estate and facility professionals, HR professionals, and neurodiversity consultants. It is equally valuable for people responsible for diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, academics and students interested in neuroinclusive design, neurodivergent employees, and anyone else with a stake or interest in designing the new world of work.

Praise for Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces

“Kay Sargent has been a passionate advocate shining a light on this critical issue in the industry highlighting why designing for neurotypes is good for people and good for business. Combining the insights of neuroscience, research, evidence, and the expertise of design, this book sets out considerations and recommendations for those who are building, designing, and operating offices—a holistic approach and must-read for the creation of enabling work environments, where all people can feel supported to thrive.”
—DESPINA KATSIKAKIS, Executive Partner & Global Head, Total Workplace Consulting, Cushman & Wakefield

“This book could not be more timely and important… written by one of the world’s leading experts in the field, Kay Sargent demonstrates how neuroinclusive design can make a real difference, going beyond a duty of compliance to creating a sense of belonging.”
—JEREMY MYERSON, Professor Emeritus, Royal College of Art; Director, Worktech Academy

“I am thrilled to see cognitive well-being get such detailed exposure, and to earn its due attention as a critical component of indoor health. This amazing body of work... will help advance industry understanding and awareness for years to come.”
—PAUL SCIALLA, Founder and CEO, Delos; Founder, International WELL Building Institute

“HOK’s pioneering research on neuroinclusive design offers a robust foundation for creating environments that are not only functional but also attuned to the diverse sensory needs of all employees. By integrating scientific principles and evidence-based strategies, we can craft spaces that are not just visually appealing but also supportive of mental and emotional well-being, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and effective workplace for everyone.”
—RENIÉR ANDRÉ SAAYMAN, Head of Global Corporate Real Estate Services, The World Bank

“For too long a one-size-fits-all approach has been the go-to for workplace decision-makers, grouping all humans in a singular category and increasing performance issues and well-being risks. Environments matter and mean different things to different people. With this book, HOK and Kay Sargent offer insights and tools to grow businesses and make the world a better place.”
—DR. ANNEMARIE LOMBARD, Founder and CEO, Sensory Intelligence^® Consulting

“The needs of the future workforce are not neurotypical, but will include wide ranging neurotypes, so the link between the design of workplaces, health, and wellbeing is critical to address. Kay Sargent has been a passionate advocate shining a light on this critical issue in the industry highlighting why designing for neurotypes is good for people and good for business. Combining the insights of neuroscience, research, evidence, and the expertise of design, this book sets out considerations and recommendations for those who are building, designing, and operating offices—a holistic approach and must-read for the creation of enabling work environments, where all people can feel supported to thrive.”
—Despina Katsikakis, Executive Partner & Global Head, Total Workplace Consulting, Cushman & Wakefield

“This book could not be more timely and important—a practical and progressive guide to designing workplaces for a neurodiverse workforce, written by one of the world’s leading experts in the field. Kay Sargent demonstrates how neuroinclusive design can make a real difference, going beyond a duty of compliance to creating a sense of belonging.”
—Jeremy Myerson, Professor Emeritus, Royal College of Art; Director, Worktech Academy

“The time has come to understand the importance of neuroinclusive workspaces. As founder of the International Well Building Institute, I am thrilled to see cognitive well-being get such detailed exposure, and to earn its due attention as a critical component of indoor health. This amazing body of work is a true benchmark, and will help advance Industry understanding and awareness for years to come.”
—Paul Scialla, Founder and CEO, Delos; Founder, International Well Building Institute

“As we envision the workplace of tomorrow, it's imperative that we prioritize the sensory elements within these spaces, recognizing their profound impact on the well-being, productivity, and engagement of our teams. The sensory environment—encompassing factors like lighting, acoustics, textures, and overall ambiance—can significantly influence how individuals feel and perform in their daily tasks. HOK’s pioneering research on neuroinclusive design offers a robust foundation for creating environments that are not only functional but also attuned to the diverse sensory needs of all employees. By integrating scientific principles and evidence-based strategies, we can craft spaces that are not just visually appealing but also supportive of mental and emotional well-being, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and effective workplace for everyone.”
—Reniér André Saayman, Head of Global Corporate Real Estate Services, The World Bank

“The information covered in this book is relevant and timely in addressing the need to design workplaces that foster innovation, productivity, and comfort for all users. Addressing the environmental needs of people with neurological and sensory differences is often overlooked and misunderstood. This book helps bridge this gap through thoughtful and practical recommendations.”
—Dr. Kristi Gaines, Associate Dean in the Graduate School and Professor and Chair in the Department of Design, Texas Tech University

“Kay Sargent and HOK bring a much-needed and innovative perspective into designing workplaces for the future. For too long a one-size-fits-all approach has been the go-to for workplace decision-makers, grouping all humans in a singular category and increasing performance and wellbeing risks. Environments matter, mean different things to different people and either enhance or reduce brain capacity and function. Designing around personal sensory thresholds and needs adds a level of intelligence to increase productivity and well-being to change the lives of employees. For the neurodiverse population, their unique skills and competencies will be allowed to surface and flourish, at last! With this book, HOK and Kay Sargent offer insights and tools to grow businesses and make the world a better place.”
—Dr. Annemarie Lombard, Founder and CEO of Sensory Intelligence® Consulting