We’ve probably all experienced workplace stress; last-minute deadlines, a never-ending inbox and a hamster wheel of activities. Sometimes we get so caught up in staying on top of things that we lose sight of the end goal, even at the expense of our health.
For neurodivergent persons or employees with sensory processing difficulties, navigating a busy work environment is even more challenging. A trigger or combination of triggers such as bright, fluorescent lighting, certain smells, and loud noises can cause:
- frustration and irritability
- anxiety
- fatigue
- physical discomfort
- intense emotions/ difficulty regulating emotions
This is also known as sensory overload- when our sensory systems are bombarded with more information than we can comfortably process. In addition to the emotional stress, sensory overload can affect productivity and performance. It can create difficulty concentrating and making decisions, or even total shutdown and disconnect from what’s around.
So how do we create a supportive and inclusive workplace? A good place to start is to identify potential sensory triggers…
SENSORY TRIGGERS IN THE WORKPLACE
Common triggers of sensory overload include:
- harsh lighting
- temperature
- clashing/ specific colours
- food smells
- persistent background noises such as talking, ringing phones, keyboards, and even kitchen noise such as the coffee grinder
You may identify triggers within your workplace by observing employee behaviour, or even by asking for direct feedback. Have the conversation- what makes the workplace more comfortable for you? What type of environment helps you focus and be productive?
CREATING A SENSORY-FRIENDLY WORKPLACE
Sound Management
To help manage workplace noise, create quiet zones or introduce sound-dampening materials such as carpet tile, dividers, and acoustic wall or ceiling tiles. Be considerate of music in shared areas and use noise-cancelling headphones to reduce auditory distractions.
Remember – what may be harmless background noise for some employees can feel overwhelming for others, especially when there is a combination of different sounds.
Visual Input
Lighting plays a key role in supporting focus, mood, and productivity. While natural light is ideal, artificial lighting is often unavoidable in the workplace. Ask yourself:
- Is there adequate light, with no shadows or extreme transitions between dark and light?
- Can reflections, glare, and flickering lights be minimised or removed?
- Are fluorescent lights covered with filters or diffusers?
- Can screen brightness and contrast be adjusted?
We also recommend using neutral, calming interior colours. Use soothing sensory items like mood lights and colour tubes to improve focus and provide a calming distraction from anxiety or sensory overload. For spaces with limited natural light, LED ceiling panels are a fantastic way to bring the outdoors in, and create a feeling of peace and calm.
Tactile Considerations
Employees with tactile sensitivities may feel overstimulated or uncomfortable with certain surfaces or clothing. Accommodate this with a flexible dress code and be mindful of furniture and materials e.g. avoid hard or unpadded seating where possible and rough or uneven textures.
Use tactile sensory items such as stress balls and fidgets to reduce anxiety and improve focus.
Scents
Food is the most common source of smell in the workplace. If possible, eat away from your desk/ office space to prevent smells from lingering (and yes- it’s best to avoid foods with strong odours such as spices, boiled eggs and seafood altogether).
Time Blocking
Normalise scheduling alone time during the workday, to work without interruption. For those who find social interaction draining or stressful, even 30 minutes of isolation can help conserve energy levels and prevent sensory overload.
Creating a Sensory Space
A sensory space is a place to re-focus, recharge, and feel in control. By making the time and space to take a deep breath and reset, we can return to our work with renewed focus, a new perspective and a clear head. Whether this sensory space is a private corner, a booth or a dedicated room, it doesn’t need to be complicated to be effective.
Our top recommendations for a sensory-friendly space:
Think of these spaces as a ‘sensory detox’- an intentional break from an overwhelming environment, a space to help us reset and find balance in our daily schedule.
Other Considerations
- Keep workspaces clean, organised, and free of clutter.
- Encourage regular movement and low-impact exercise such as a five to ten-minute walk or light stretching.
- Engage the proprioceptive and vestibular senses through ergonomic furniture such as standing desks, leg hammocks, wobble chairs, and seats that accommodate movement or various ways of sitting.
BE REALISTIC ABOUT WHAT YOU CAN ADAPT WITHIN THE WORKPLACE
Unfortunately, not every workplace has the space or resources to accommodate all sensory triggers or preferences. For instance, if you’re a healthcare worker you likely can’t change the lighting in your environment.
Instead, creating a sensory toolkit— a collection of personal sensory items— is an effective way to cope with sensitivities, manage stress, and feel grounded. Examples of sensory tools include:
- Fidgets
- Ear plugs/ noise cancelling headphones
- Tinted glasses
- Chewable jewellery
- A white noise app
- A familiar or comforting fabric swatch
Another strategy to calm the nervous system and reduce stress is deep breathing. We recommend the 4-7-8 technique- inhale for 4 seconds, hold the breath for 7 seconds, and then exhale slowly for 8 seconds. We all experience stress from time to time and having a sensory toolkit or coping mechanisms to rely on can make a world of difference when navigating these challenging moments.
PRIORITISING EMPLOYEE WELL-BEING FOR A HAPPIER, HEALTHIER WORKPLACE
Sensory overload may affect all of us occasionally, but for some it is a constant challenge, impacting everyday life. Understanding and taking the initiative to accommodate sensory needs is a big step towards creating an inclusive, happy, and healthy workplace.
For further guidance or product recommendations contact us at 1300 622 180 / info@sensotec.com.au.
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