Sense In Work

Creating a sensory-inclusive environment is not just about making spaces more accessible for those with sensory processing differences — it’s about fostering a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. Whether you manage a workplace, a community centre, a healthcare setting, or a public venue, helping your staff or volunteers understand sensory inclusion can enhance the experience for both the people they serve and their colleagues.

Here’s how you can approach the conversation in a way that raises awareness, encourages engagement, and promotes practical action.

1. Start with Awareness

Sensory processing affects everyone. We all experience the world differently — some people thrive in busy, high-energy environments, while others find them overwhelming. Some may struggle with bright lights or loud noises, while others actively seek movement or touch to stay regulated. Others may find that their sensory differences impact how they pay attention to instructions and are able to carry out physical activities. A sensory-inclusive space acknowledges these differences and ensures everyone feels comfortable.

Encourage staff and volunteers to think about their own sensory preferences: Do they prefer quiet places to work? Do they fidget or move to stay focused? Making sensory processing relatable helps normalise the conversation and breaks down misconceptions.

Provide time for staff or volunteers to take this free course:Discover Sensory Processing and Integration.

2. Emphasise the Benefits

Sensory inclusion benefits everyone, not just people with sensory processing differences. By creating an environment that is adaptable to different needs, you make your space more welcoming, accessible, and engaging. This can lead to improved customer satisfaction, better teamwork, and a more inclusive culture overall.

For example, a café that offers both quiet seating and lively social areas caters to a wider range of customers. A workplace that allows staff to personalise their lighting or use noise-cancelling headphones creates a more comfortable and productive atmosphere.

3. Use Practical Examples Relevant to Your Setting

To help your staff and volunteers understand sensory inclusion, give them real-life examples that apply to your specific environment. For instance:

• In a shop or café: Keeping background music at a moderate volume or offering a quiet shopping hour can make the space more accessible to those with sensory sensitivities.
• In a community centre: Providing a sensory-friendly area with dimmed lighting and comfortable seating can help visitors who may feel overwhelmed in busy spaces.
• In a workplace: Allowing movement breaks, flexible seating options, or noise-reducing workspaces can support employees with different sensory needs.
• In a volunteer setting: Teaching volunteers to recognise signs of sensory overload—such as restlessness, withdrawal, or covering ears—enables them to offer appropriate support when needed.
• In a healthcare setting (eg, a practice waiting room): Offering a designated quiet area, reducing bright overhead lighting, providing sensory-friendly seating, and displaying clear visual schedules can help patients feel more at ease while waiting for appointments. Additionally, training reception staff to be aware of sensory needs and offering alternative check-in methods, such as online or quiet desk check-ins, can improve the patient experience.

4. Encourage Open Conversations

Creating a sensory-inclusive culture means making it safe to talk about sensory needs. Encourage staff and volunteers to share their own experiences and preferences. You might be surprised at how many people can relate to sensory challenges in some way.

Reassure them that sensory inclusion is not about making drastic changes but about small, thoughtful adjustments that can make a big difference. Listening to their ideas and concerns ensures that inclusion becomes a shared effort rather than a top-down directive.

5. Provide Simple Strategies

Make sensory inclusion easy to implement by offering practical, low-cost strategies. These might include:

• Reducing background noise where possible
• Offering quiet areas for those who need a low-stimulation environment
• Allowing movement breaks and flexible seating options
• Using clear and predictable signage
• Being mindful of strong smells (eg, cleaning products or perfumes)

Even small changes can help create a more inclusive and comfortable environment.

We recommend the How to Make your Space Sensory Inclusive in 8 Steps course which walks you through how to make your environment more sensory inclusive. 

6. Make It an Ongoing Conversation

Sensory inclusion is not a one-time initiative — it’s an ongoing commitment to understanding and accommodating different needs. Encourage regular feedback, provide additional training opportunities, and continuously look for ways to improve your space and practices.

By talking to your staff and volunteers about sensory inclusion in an open, practical, and engaging way, you can create environments where everyone feels welcome, comfortable, and able to participate fully.