ADHD in the workplace: a guide to inclusive workplace design

The most effective ADHD-friendly offices incorporate clearly defined zones that support different working styles and energy levels throughout the day.

Focus zones

Serve as dedicated quiet areas with sound-dampening materials and minimal visual distractions, providing essential spaces for deep work and concentration. These areas should feature adjustable lighting, comfortable seating, and acoustic solutions that minimise environmental disruptions.

Collaboration spaces

Need clear boundaries and purpose, helping contain noise and movement to specific zones while preventing disruption to those requiring quiet focus. The key lies in creating distinct transitions between these areas, allowing employees to mentally prepare for different work modes.

Energy release areas

These spaces support physical movement and activity, helping regulate energy levels and improve focus throughout the day. Modern offices are incorporating everything from standing desks to dedicated exercise areas, recognising that movement is often essential for maintaining attention and productivity.

The visual environment, particularly colour choices, plays a role in creating ADHD-friendly workspaces. While vibrant colours may seem engaging and energising in theory, they can often create additional visual stimuli that individuals with ADHD must process, potentially diverting attention from tasks.

This insight aligns with research suggesting that people with ADHD can be more sensitive to visual stimuli, with bright or contrasting colours potentially triggering distraction or visual stress.

For optimal focus, consider implementing:

• Neutral base colours: Soft whites, muted blues, gentle greens, and warm beiges create calm backgrounds that don't compete for attention
• Strategic colour accents: Use brighter colours purposefully in areas designated for creativity or collaboration, but keep focus zones more subdued
• Consistent colour schemes: Abrupt colour changes between spaces can be jarring and require additional mental processing
• Matt finishes: Glossy surfaces can create glare and visual distraction, while matt finishes are easier on the eyes
• Natural elements: Incorporating wood tones and plant life provides visual interest without overwhelming stimulation

These principles don't mean creating sterile or boring environments. Rather, they establish a balanced visual foundation that supports attention while still maintaining an aesthetically pleasing workspace that benefits all employees.

Modern workplace technology enhances the ADHD-friendly office experience through intuitive solutions that reduce cognitive load. Smart room booking systems simplify the process of finding appropriate work spaces, while environmental control apps give employees direct control over their immediate workspace conditions.

Focus-supporting tools, from white noise machines to time management systems, can be seamlessly integrated to support individual work styles.

Creating an ADHD-friendly office environment requires a thoughtful, phased approach. Key steps include:

1. Initial assessment: Evaluate current space usage patterns and gather employee feedback about environmental challenges and preferences
2. Strategic planning: Develop a comprehensive workplace strategy that identifies both immediate improvements and long-term modifications
3. Phased implementation: Begin with high-impact, low-disruption changes while planning for more substantial renovations
4. Continuous improvement: Maintain open communication channels and regularly collect feedback to refine and adjust the space as needed