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Supporting neurodiversity in industrial workplaces
Employees in industrial environments need to stay focused, work safely and maintain their energy throughout the day. However, factors such as noise, lighting and other sensory demands can affect people in different ways. By taking these differences into account when designing the workplace, businesses can create an environment that better supports everyone.
"What helps individuals with neurodivergent conditions often improves the workplace for everyone and strengthens both the work environment and efficiency," says Jenny Kindgren of the Swedish National Association Attention (Riksförbundet Attention).
There is growing awareness of neurodiversity in the workplace, with more employers recognising the importance of creating environments that support different ways of thinking and working. This is particularly relevant in the industrial sector, where working conditions, safety and access to skilled employees are key considerations.
"We’re seeing more and more employers and trade unions wanting to understand how they can create workplaces that work better for neurodivergent people. We’re seeing a clear shift within the industrial sector", says Jenny Kindgren, a behavioral scientist and Head of Education at Attention, an organisation supporting people with neurodevelopmental conditions and their relatives.
In Ireland, figures from the Central Statistics Office show that 22.3% of children aged 3-14 had either a diagnosed or suspected neurodivergent condition in 2025. While there are no directly comparable figures for the working population, the statistics highlight how important it is to understand and support different ways of thinking and working.
"At AJ Products, we collaborate with the Swedish National Association Attention to increase our understanding of how workplaces can be designed to be more brain-friendly. For us, it’s a way to contribute to workplaces where more people can thrive and succeed. Ultimately, it benefits all employees", says Annika Petersson, Head of Project Sales Office at AJ Products.
A 2024 survey from Attention found that seven out of ten respondents felt their diagnosis had put them at a disadvantage in their working life.
Many neurodivergent people work in manufacturing, warehousing and technology, it's important for employers in the industrial sector to understand how the physical and social working environment can affect employees in different ways.
"It is not just the task itself that determines how someone's working day goes. The whole environment plays a role, from the moment someone arrives at work until they leave", she says.
Understanding neurodiversity
Neurodivergence refers to differences in how people's brains process information and interact with the world around them. It includes ADHD, autism, developmental language disorder (DLD) and Tourette syndrome.
These differences can affect how people process sensory information, organise tasks, manage focus and energy levels and navigate social situations. For example, some neurodivergent people may experience increased sensitivity to sensory input, benefit from greater clarity and structure or become mentally fatigued more quickly in noisy or busy environments.
Small changes can make a big difference
Creating a more inclusive working environment doesn't always require major investment or extensive renovations. Clearer organisation, improved acoustics, visual guidance and better opportunities to take breaks throughout the day can all make a difference.
For neurodivergent employees, these adjustments can be particularly important in creating a more comfortable and supportive working environment. However, the benefits extend to the wider workforce too.
"What works well for neurodivergent people can benefit everyone. Most people have periods when their brains are tired - because of stress, illness, caring for young children or a difficult situation at home. A tired brain often benefits from the same clarity and structure.
When everyday working environments are designed to support more people, businesses are also better placed to retain experienced and valuable employees, notes Jenny Kindgren.
"With small adjustments in the workplace, you can unlock the potential of talented employees. Many neurodivergent people choose jobs that closely match their interests and strengths. This can allow them to become highly skilled in their field. But sometimes it isn't the job itself that is the problem, but everything around it", she says.
The impact is particularly clear in the industrial sector
Industrial workplaces often involve large spaces, high noise levels and multiple sources of sensory input. Employees could also be doing jobs where a lapse in concentration can have serious safety implications.
"There is more at stake when the work can become physically dangerous. That requires s systematic and meticulous approach", says Jenny Kindgren.
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More people are becoming comfortable discussing neurodivergence and the support they may need in the workplace. Employers also have a responsibility to consider reasonable accommodations under Irish employment equality legislation. Where an employee or job applicant has a disability, employers must consider appropriate measures to help them access, participate in and progress in employment, unless doing so would place a disproportionate burden on the business.
"Many young people today are open about having ADHD, for instance. They might say: 'I'm a very good welder, but I also have ADHD, just so you know.' That means employers need to be more on their toes", she says.
Putting our understanding of neurodiversity into practice
At AJ Products, we're continually developing our understanding of neurodiversity and how workplace design can support different needs. Through our collaboration with Attention, we're gaining valuable insight into how working environments can be adapted to better support employees.
Customers can speak to us about ways to make their workplaces more inclusive and the products and solutions that can help. Our range includes solutions that reduce distractions, create clearer structures and provide quieter spaces for focused work. In industrial environments, this could include acoustic solutions, partitioning and furniture that makes workspaces easier to navigate and understand.
Fredrik Emilsson, Warehouse Manager at AJ Products, explains how we put these principles into practice in our own warehouse:
"We make sure that employees with neurodivergent conditions are given sufficient time during their induction, where we also help them set priorities and have regular check-ins. Clarity is crucial", he says.
"In our warehouse, the tasks are clear with fixed routines and a solid structure, making it easier to plan your work. Since it is largely independent work, sensory input is reduced, which can improve the ability to focus."
Adapting different areas of the workplace
What does a more inclusive industrial workplace look like in practice? Jenny Kindgren explains how different areas of the workplace can be adapted to better support employees with different needs.
- The changing room
Changing rooms can be challenging environments for some neurodivergent employees. Crowded spaces, background noise, strong smells and uncertainty around social expectations can all contribute to stress before the working day has even begun. Providing more space between lockers, introducing acoustic solutions and setting clear guidelines for shared spaces can help create a calmer, more comfortable environment.
- The canteen
Lunch breaks can be tiring too. Open spaces, hard surfaces, background noise and conversations can make it difficult to relax and recharge. Adding screens, plants and acoustic solutions, along with providing quieter, more private seating areas, can help create a more comfortable space for employees to take a break.
- Breakrooms or quiet spaces
Everyone recharges differently. Some employees may prefer a quiet space with minimal distractions, while others benefit from taking an active break. Providing a separate quiet area or space to move around can give employees more choice in how they take a break and help them maintain their energy throughout the day.
