With more than 40 years of experience in workplace design, CJ & Associates has seen countless design trends emerge and evolve. Some come and go quickly, while others completely reshape how businesses think about their work environments. Most recently, we are seeing a growing emphasis on the topic of neurodiversity in the workplace.
Organizations are no longer treating neurodiverse design as optional. Increasingly, our clients are asking us to embed strategies for inclusivity into the foundation of their workplace buildouts and redesigns. The goal is clear: to create work environments where everyone, regardless of how they think, process, or experience the world, can be successful.
What is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is the concept that neurological differences, such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, PTSD, and other variations of how people learn and process information, are natural forms of human diversity. People who are neurodivergent may think, learn, and perceive their surroundings differently from others. In contrast, neurotypical individuals are those whose cognitive functions and behaviors are considered to fall within conventionally or socially expected patterns.
Approximately one in five U.S. workers, around 22 percent of the workforce, are estimated to be neurodivergent, and this number is expected to grow.
For businesses, recognizing neurodiversity means designing working environments that are inclusive, flexible, and supportive of these differences. Doing so not only empowers employees but also enhances creativity, productivity, and retention.
Why Neurodiversity Design Matters
Today’s workforce is more diverse than ever, and companies are realizing the importance that workplace design has in directly impacting performance and well-being. For neurodivergent employees, traditional office layouts may create challenges such as overstimulation from noise and lighting, and a lack of quiet focus areas.
At CJ & Associates, we approach neurodiverse design as part of our “walls-in” philosophy, considering every element from space planning and acoustics to furniture selection and finishes. By integrating thoughtful workspace design solutions early in the process, we help our clients create environments that look beautiful and work for everyone.
Five Workplace Design Strategies to Support Neurodiversity
Based on our experience, here are the top five strategies companies should consider when planning a neurodiverse friendly workplace:
1. Flexible Zones
Neurodivergent employees often perform at their best when they can choose the type of environment that best suits a given task or their current mood. Creating a mix of quiet zones, collaborative areas, and social spaces allows individuals to move between environments throughout the day and helps them to complete their tasks more efficiently and effectively.
2. Acoustic Control
Noise can be a major barrier for neurodivergent employees. Incorporating acoustical wall panels, sound masking technology, and enclosed rooms can significantly reduce distractions. We help our clients implement solutions that blend acoustic performance with aesthetics, ensuring the space is both functional and well designed. To achieve this balance, we often incorporate Architectural Interior Walls by Teknion, which allows us to create workplaces that are quiet, versatile, and thoughtfully designed.
3. Lighting That Supports Well Being
Harsh lighting or glare can overwhelm neurodivergent employees. Layering ambient, task, and accent lighting and using dimmable options helps to create a more balanced environment. When possible, we emphasize natural light and window treatments that give employees individual control over brightness.
4. Sensory Friendly Materials and Colors
Textures, finishes, and color palettes can influence how people feel in a space. We recommend using neutral, calming tones paired with tactile-friendly surfaces that avoid overstimulation. Incorporating elements of biophilic design, such as natural materials, greenery, and organic patterns, can also provide a soothing sensory experience and promote overall well-being.
5. Choice and Control Through Furniture
Furniture selection plays a critical role in neurodiverse design. Adjustable desks, ergonomic chairs, and mobile partitions give employees control over their comfort level. CJ & Associates partners with several quality manufacturers like Teknion and their Expansion Casework+ line, which provides flexible solutions that can adapt to individual needs and evolving workplaces.
CJ & Associates: Leading the Way in Neurodiverse and Inclusive Workplace Design
A key part of the process of integrating inclusive design strategies is our Wellness & Engagement Strategist, Sam Sprung. Sam plays a key role in understanding the types of environments people work best in and works closely with our design team to integrate flexible, ambient, and focus spaces that best support our clients’ unique needs. Sam’s expertise ensures that every project we design and furnish goes beyond form and function to also address how people think, feel, and interact within a space, as workplace design is fundamental when considering neurodiversity.
“Designing for neurodiversity is not about checking a box; it is about thoughtfully considering every aspect of the workplace and how it can empower employees to be successful.”
– Sam Sprung, Wellness & Engagement Strategist, CJ & Associates
By integrating neurodiverse friendly strategies into our design projects, we help our clients build environments where every employee has the opportunity to be successful today and in the future.
At CJ & Associates, we are proud to bring together design expertise, workplace psychology, and decades of experience to help organizations and businesses across all sectors create spaces that truly work for their people. Ready to explore how to integrate neurodiverse strategies that can shape the future of your workplace? Connect with our team today and begin the conversation.
