At Hub, we’re constantly looking for ways to enhance our workspaces and our workspace experience to support the productivity, wellbeing and happiness of all of our members with Neurodiversity & ADHD Month.
We’re laser-focused on experience. But we’re all individuals, and that means we all experience and perceive a space differently. During Neurodiversity & ADHD Month, creating workspace experiences that businesses and their teams love means we must build more inclusive environments where everyone feels comfortable.
October is ADHD awareness month. As awareness and understanding of neurodiversity grows, we’ve been exploring how we can create a more inclusive workspace experience, one that takes into consideration the unique sensory needs of our neurodiverse members.
Neurodiversity includes the range of neurological differences in the human brain, including conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and dyslexia. According to Deloitte, it’s estimated that anywhere from 10% to 20% of the global population is neurodiverse^. These conditions are characterised by unique ways of thinking, learning, and interacting with the world.
In recognition of ADHD month in October and our ongoing commitment to inclusive workspaces, we have conducted a sensory audit of our workspaces. As part of this audit, we’ve identified a few simple initiatives that we will roll out across the month of October, and beyond.
Sight
Creating a visually comfortable environment has long been an objective at Hub. Our workspaces are designed with their local area in mind, so the colour palette varies, but it always leans towards calming colour schemes and avoids overly bright or contrasting colours.
At each of our clubhouses, members will find a range of different working spots to suit their individual preference – from light, open lounges to darker, quiet library spaces – and everything in between. Our workspace experience teams work hard to keep Hub workspaces organised and clutter free.
Sound
Managing sound and acoustics is a critical part of the design process at any flexible workspace. From using sound-absorbing materials like carpet and acoustic panels to offering a wide range of quiet working options like dedicated relaxation spaces, library areas, phone booths and meeting rooms.
Minimising distractions is an important consideration for neurodiverse individuals, so we’re taking this a step further in October and trialling a couple of new initiatives.
Touch
At Hub we achieve a calm and soothing experience through soft and rich textures and materials – a mix of fabric and leather upholstered furniture, sheer curtains and luxe rugs and carpets. Personalised comfort is achieved through ergonomic furniture with adjustable chairs and desks and a range of different working options. From Herman Miller ergonomic workstations to comfortable sofas and lounge chairs for casual use, our aim is to ensure everyone can work – and relax – comfortably and effectively.
Taste & Smell
The importance – and focus on – air quality, ventilation and purification increased post covid, but it’s an equally important consideration for neurodiversity. We monitor the air quality within each of our clubhouses and publish this data via digital signage in our member kitchens and welcome desk areas.
In aid of ADHD awareness month, we’re trialling some new initiatives across our clubhouses. Not only will we be gathering feedback on these initiatives, we’ll also be conducting a diversity survey to get further ideas. Small, simple changes will take place in clubhouses across October – and beyond.
Signage audit
Clear and considered signage is important for everyone, including the neurodiverse. So in October, we’re conducting a full signage review to identify areas that we can improve.
Introducing quiet zones
For the rest of the year, we’ll be trialling quiet zones at each of our clubhouses. For two hours each afternoon, we’re encouraging members to minimise noise in our flexible working areas. These areas will be clearly marked with signage.
Noise-cancelling headphones
It’s not always practical to completely avoid noise, so we’re giving away some Loop earplugs to support those that need to focus within a noisier space.
Sensory Kit
To help keep our members calm and grounded, members will find a sensory kit in each of our relaxation rooms. Each item in these sensory kits has been specifically selected to appeal to one of the five senses.
Hub team training
We’re committed to making sure each and every member has a workspace experience they love, so we’ll be running some team training to make sure everyone in the Hub team understands how we can provide a more inclusive and supportive workspace experience.
While ADHD awareness month in October narrows our focus on neurodiversity – this is part of a longer-term commitment from Hub to increase the inclusiveness of our workspaces and workspace experiences.
Sources:
^ https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/topics/talent/neurodiversity-in-the-workplace.html
