Unmasking Potential: Why Sensory-Friendly Workplaces are the Future of Inclusion

Understanding Lived Experience: Neurodivergent Masking in the Workplace

Elizabeth, who was interviewed for this blog post, brings a wealth of talent and dedication to their job. Diagnosed with ADHD and self-diagnosed with autism, they thrive in a structured environment where their skills can shine. However, there are challenges. Pregnancy forced them to stop taking their ADHD medication, significantly impacting their ability to manage sensory overload and executive function. Fearful of judgment and potential termination of employment, they hesitate to request a designated quiet space or any other accommodation. Simple accommodations could make a world of difference, yet the pressure to mask – to suppress their natural autistic and neurodivergent traits and appear “normal” – holds them back. This experience of neurodivergent masking at work, is all too common.

This is the reality for many autistic or neurodivergent adults in the workplace. Autism masking, and ADHD masking, while offering temporary relief in social situations, can be emotionally and mentally draining in the long run. The National Autistic Society has a great article about autistic masking. Here’s where sensory-friendly workplaces enter the picture to dismantle masking at work. By fostering an environment that caters to diverse sensory needs, businesses can dismantle these barriers and unlock the true potential of a neurodiverse workforce and all their employees.

The Silent Struggle of Neurodivergent Masking: Fear of Reprisal and Disability Disclosure

While Elizabeth’s identity is protected under the pseudonym “Elizabeth,” their insights into masking were invaluable during the interview process and review of this blog post. Unfortunately, due to the challenges many autistic and neurodivergent individuals face in the workplace, Elizabeth, like many others, choose to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal from their employer. This fear of retaliation is a common barrier for people with disabilities to speak openly about their needs and experiences.

Understanding Sensory Sensitivity and Overload as Part of Learning About Masking

Sensory sensitivity and overload are not exclusive to autism. Individuals with post-concussion syndrome, PTSD, hearing loss, and a range of other conditions can also experience them. These experiences can be temporary or permanent, and they can occur across the lifespan. Someone with dementia, for instance, might become overwhelmed by bright lights or loud noises in a nursing home setting.

Sensory sensitivity simply means that a person experiences sensory information in a heightened way. Everyday sounds, lights, or textures that most people barely register can be overwhelming for someone who is sensory sensitive. Sensory overload occurs when this heightened sensory input becomes too much to bear, potentially leading to meltdowns, shutdowns, or anxiety.

Examples of Sensory Sensitivities in the Workplace that Need Workplace Accommodatoins to Unmask

• Auditory: Sensitivity to loud noises, such as ringing phones or crowded office spaces.
• Visual: Discomfort from bright lights, flickering screens, or cluttered work areas.
• Tactile: Aversion to certain textures in clothing, office furniture, or everyday objects. Even washing dishes in the workplace sink can be a challenge.
• Olfactory: Sensitivity to strong smells, like perfumes or cleaning products.
• Gustatory: Dislike for certain tastes or textures in food.
• Proprioception (movement sense):
  • Hypersensitivity: Disliking roughhousing or crowded spaces due to feeling overwhelmed by bodily contact, like co-working spaces.
  • Hyposensitivity: Difficulty judging the force needed for tasks, leading to accidental bumping or dropping things. Difficult in a crowded workplace.
  • Dislike of specific movements: Discomfort with activities like swinging, jumping, or spinning due to overstimulation.
  • Difficulty with motor planning: Struggling with tasks that require precise movements, like handwriting or buttoning clothes. Typing can also be a challenge for some!
• Vestibular (balance sense):
  • Motion sickness: Feeling nauseous or dizzy easily in moving vehicles, on boats, or while using amusement park rides.
  • Discomfort with heights: Feeling anxious or panicky when standing on high places, even if there’s no real danger of falling. Office towers with full glass windows can be disconcerting.
  • Difficulty with balance activities: Struggling with activities like walking on uneven terrain, riding a bike, or balancing on one leg.
  • Need for constant movement: Feeling restless or fidgety when required to sit still for long periods.
• Interoception (internal body sense):
  • Difficulty recognizing hunger or thirst cues: Not feeling hungry or thirsty until experiencing physical discomfort like stomach growling or dry mouth.
  • Trouble interpreting bodily discomfort: Not recognizing the source of pain, like a headache or muscle strain.
  • Emotional overwhelm: Difficulty identifying and managing emotions due to a disconnect with bodily signals.
  • Sensitivity to temperature changes: Feeling uncomfortably hot or cold even in moderate temperatures.

The Mental Health Impact and Cost of Masking in the Workplace

These are just a few examples, and sensory sensitivities can manifest differently in each individual. And yes, you have eight senses and not just five. These sensitivities can significantly impact an employee’s ability to focus, concentrate, and perform their job duties. Masking in the workplace can be especially challenging for those with sensory sensitivities, as it often requires suppressing physical reactions to uncomfortable stimuli.

Masking, in the context of neurodiversity, refers to the act of suppressing natural autistic traits to conform to societal expectations. For Elizabeth, masking became more difficult and in fact impossible, during pregnancy, adding another layer of stress to their workday. While masking might offer short-term benefits in social situations, it comes at a high cost:

• Increased Stress and Anxiety: The constant effort to suppress natural behaviors and emotions takes a toll. This heightened stress and anxiety can hinder an employee’s ability to perform their job effectively.
• Burnout: Masking is emotionally draining. The ongoing energy expended on masking can lead to burnout, impacting an employee’s physical and mental health, ultimately affecting productivity and work satisfaction.
• Loss of Authenticity and Self-Esteem: When employees are forced to mask, they are unable to bring their full, authentic selves to work. This can lead to feelings of inauthenticity and negatively impact self-esteem.
• Hinders Communication: Masking can hinder clear communication, particularly for individuals with autism who may rely on direct communication styles or facial expressions. Autistic people may wrongly be seen as rude for not being expressive with their face, and this can lead to being socially outcast.

These negative consequences highlight the importance of creating workplaces that embrace neurodiversity, remove the expecation for neurodivergent masking from their employees and create a more sensory-friendly, accessible and inclusive workplace, in particular for team members with invisible disabilities.

Sensory-Friendly Workplaces: How to Support Employees with Masking

Sensory-friendly workplaces align perfectly with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Just as we strive to create accessible environments for people with physical disabilities, sensory-friendly workplaces ensure accessibility for those who experience sensory sensitivity or overload.

Imagine an office with designated quiet areas, adjustable lighting options, and noise-canceling headphones readily available. These simple workplace accommodations for masking can make a world of difference for an autistic employee, allowing them to focus on their work and thrive in their role. In fact, they make a difference for most if, not all, employees!

While masking is a common experience for autistic adults in the workplace, the benefits of sensory-friendly environments extend far beyond the neurodiverse population. People who have ADHD, PTSD, migraines, and even temporary situations like pregnancy can experience sensory sensitivities. By creating a workplace that caters to a wider range of sensory needs, businesses foster a more inclusive environment for everyone. Imagine an employee with chronic migraines – a designated quiet space with adjustable lighting can be a haven during a flare-up. Similarly, someone with ADHD might find focus is enhanced by the ability to use noise-canceling headphones or fidget toys. Sensory-friendly workplaces are not just about ticking a box; they’re part of building inclusive workpalces for maskers. Moreover they are about creating work environment where everyone feels comfortable and supported, ultimately leading to a happier, healthier, and more productive workforce.

Benefits of Sensory-Friendly Workplaces that Reduce the Need for Masking:

• Reduced Sensory Overload: By identifying and addressing potential triggers in the workplace, sensory-friendly environments help to reduce sensory overload for employees with autism and other conditions. This leads to improved focus and a reduction in the need to mask.
• Increased Comfort and Productivity: A calmer environment benefits all employees, not just those on the spectrum. Less sensory overload leads to increased comfort, reduced stress, and ultimately, improved productivity for everyone.
• Open Communication and Accommodations: Sensory-friendly workplaces encourage open communication about individual needs. This empowers employees to request accommodations without fear of judgment, fostering a more inclusive and supportive work environment.
• Access to a Wider Talent Pool: By embracing neurodiversity and removing these barriers, companies gain access to a wider talent pool of skilled individuals who possess unique strengths and perspectives. Job ads that specify things like “light and bubbly personality” will preclude autistic people from applying. Ensure you include diversity statements in your job postings. See ours, as an example.

Beyond Masking: Empowering Neurodivergent Employees for Success

Unleashing Potential: The Benefits of Neurodiversity in the Workplace goes beyond simply hiring neurodivergent employees. By creating a work environment that reduces the need to mask, companies can unlock the full potential of this talented group as well as employees who mask for any other reason (like mental health challenges).

• Autistic employees often excel in areas like detail-oriented focus, pattern recognition, and problem-solving. Their ability to think outside the box can lead to innovative solutions and improved efficiency.
• Individuals with ADHD can bring creativity, high energy, and a passion for their work to the table. Their ability to hyperfocus can be a valuable asset in fast-paced environments.
• People with sensory processing disorders may have heightened awareness of their surroundings or exceptional auditory processing skills. These strengths can benefit roles in quality control, data analysis, or customer service. In addition they lend abilities to problem solving and creativity in program creation and implementation.

By fostering a sensory-friendly and inclusive environment, businesses can tap into this vast pool of talent and unlock the full potential of their neurodiverse workforce. This leads to a more dynamic, innovative, and successful company culture for everyone. The negative effects of neurodivergent masking and burnout can be mitigated!

To explore how sensory-friendly environments enhance inclusivity, be sure to read our blog post: Understanding Inclusive Practices: Why Being Sensory Friendly is Essential.

Sensory-Friendly and More: A Holistic Approach to Neurodiversity

Sensory-friendly workplaces are a crucial first step, but true inclusion goes beyond physical accommodations. Here are some additional ways to create a neurodiversity-affirming work environment:

• Neurodiversity Awareness Training: Educate staff on autism, ADHD, and other neurodiverse conditions. This fosters understanding and empathy among colleagues. Be sure to include information on neurodivergent masking and workplace examples.
• Additional Training on Inclusion: Inclusion Training: The Power of Sensory-Friendly Practices
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Offer flexible work schedules or remote work options to cater to individual needs and preferences.
• Clear Communication Protocols: Implement clear and concise communication strategies that are accessible to everyone. This might involve utilizing written communication alongside verbal instructions.
• Focus on Strengths: Identify and leverage the unique strengths of each employee, regardless of their neurotype. This empowers individuals and fosters a sense of value within the team. Elizabeth reiterates, a strength-base approach is super important for workplaces to remove the need for employees to mask.

By implementing these practices alongside sensory-friendly solutions, companies can create a truly inclusive workplace where everyone feels comfortable, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

The Future of Work is Neuroinclusive

The future of work is one that embraces neurodiversity. By dismantling the barriers that prevent autistic adults and others who feel forced to display neurodivergent masking from fully participating in the workforce, companies unlock a wealth of talent and create a more vibrant and successful work environment for everyone.

“Ensure your workplace is free of ableism and harassment because of not understanding autism.  Make sure everyone feels safe, welcome and that any concerns are dealt with and fixed.”

-Elizabeth, autistic adult with ADHD

Special thanks to Elizabeth for being a Sensory Experience Advisor for us and their collaboration in writing this blog post.

Strategies for Reducing Neurodivergent Masking in the Workplace: A Training Approach

Masking – the act of suppressing natural behaviors to conform to societal expectations – can be exhausting for neurodivergent individuals. Our sensory-friendly training equips you with the tools to create experiences that are more accessible and inclusive. Our low cost All Access Training gives you access to all the courses you need, like Sensory Friendly 101 and Sensory Friendly Workplaces.

Watch a short message from our founder:

Explore More: Diving Deeper into the Role of the Senses in the Workplace

• Why Workplace Inclusion Training with a Focus on Sensory Sensitivity Matters
• Unconscious Bias and Sensory Overload: Fostering a More Inclusive Workplace
• Sensory-Friendly Co-Working Space Design in Shared Offices

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