Businesses in Ireland are embedding diversity policies, not just as an act of compliance but because it has been established that diversity in the workplace leads to better decisions and innovations.
Designing the physical workplace to be more inclusive is a growing part of that drive.
Office supplier Codex has announced a partnership with Autism charity AsIAm.
The partnership will see the two organisations working towards the acceptance of Autistic people in Irish organisations, while helping to foster a more inclusive working environment.
Codex conducted a survey among neurodivergent employees, and it found 61% struggle with sound at work; 56% struggle with lighting at work, 55% struggle with social interaction at work, and 42% struggle with written or verbal communication at work.
The growth in open-plan workspaces means the traditional office setting is often busy, noisy and brightly lit.
In this environment, many neurodivergent employees can struggle with sensory overwhelm as a result of overhead lighting, unpredictable volume and social situations.
As part of its collaboration with AsIAm, Codex will work to bring a new range of products to the market that are specifically developed to help reduce sensory overload in the workplace.
CEO of AsIAm, Adam Harris, welcomed the partnership. "In recent years, Codex has become a true champion of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, supporting organisations in education and other sectors with innovative products and solutions. Through this partnership, we hope to leverage their expertise to help more Irish workplaces cater for all employees."
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Patrick Murphy, Codex CEO, said they are looking forward to working with the AsIAm team to support people with Autism and other forms of neurodivergence.
"Although there is growing awareness of neurodivergence in the workplace, most Irish offices have been designed by and for neurotypical people and that can present a unique set of challenges that employers should consider through more inclusive office design.
"To ensure that we understand the specific requirements that neurodivergent employees may have in the workplace, we have carried out extensive research in this area." Mr Murphy said. "We have solicited the voices and opinions of neurodivergent employees and will use that data to further develop products and solutions that help ensure that all employees have a workplace environment that allows them to thrive.
"Ultimately, we hope our partnership with AsIAm will promote a workplace environment where Autistic people feel understood, accepted and supported in their careers," Mr Murphy said.
