How to Create a Sensory-Friendly Workplace for Remote Workers and Freelancers
Working remotely can be a blessing in disguise for many of us, especially for people who find the traditional office environment detrimental to their work. People with sensory processing disorders often find it challenging to work in a traditional office setting because of the noises, the lights, or the smells. Working from home offers the opportunity to create a sensory-friendly workplace tailored to your own needs. When you can alleviate these issues, you ensure that your workspace is the most supportive you need for remote work.
In this blog post, we will explore various strategies and tips to create a sensory-friendly workplace for remote workers and freelancers.
Adjust Your Lighting
Lighting is a crucial element that can affect our mood and productivity. For those with sensory sensitivities, overhead lighting (a.k.a. The Big Light) can be overwhelming and cause headaches. Instead, consider using natural lighting, dimmer switches, or softer lamp lights to create a more calming workspace.
Use Headphones
Using noise-canceling headphones or earplugs can help calm distracting sounds and improve focus. You can listen to music, white noise, or even mindfulness exercises to create a relaxing environment. By using headphones, you can also reduce the sounds of household activities, making it less tempting to leave your work and talk with any roommates or loved ones. I also find that it helps deter people from interrupting my work — either they don’t approach me or I just don’t hear them.
Choose Your Own Smells
Certain scents or fragrances can provoke a number of reactions — positive or negative. If certain scents help you focus or memorize or just set an easier vibe for you to work in, working from home means you can use those without worrying you’re disturbing someone else in the office. If strong scents tend to create issues for you, working from home is a great way to avoid strong perfumes or scented products. Consider using an essential oil diffuser with mild scents or a natural air purifier, or your preferred incense and candles. When you just have to worry about yourself, you don’t have to be concerned about whether a scent will affect someone else, and you don’t have to worry about someone else’s fragrances bothering you!
Alter the Workspace
Consider making small adjustments to your workspace that can make a big difference. This may include rearranging your desk to face a window or a calming view, placing a plant on your desk, or adding a comfortable chair or cushion. You can also use a standing desk that incorporates movement and flexibility. Without the restraints of office rules, your workspace can look as weird or as plain as you need it to!
Establish Boundaries
Maintaining boundaries will help you respect your personal space and reduce sensory overload, and it will help the other people in your home respect your working time. Using tools to minimize distractions, such as a timers, app blockers, or setting up Work Mode and Do Not Disturb settings on your phone will help ensure that you do not get distracted, and you remain focused. Other boundaries, like closing your office door or even putting up a “Do Not Disturb” sign can help prevent you from getting interrupted.
Building a sensory-friendly workplace is not as complicated as it may sound. Simple adjustments and tools can make a significant difference for people who work remotely. As remote work becomes more common, it is essential that we normalize creating a work environment that allows us to work at our best. By implementing the strategies outlined here, you can create a soothing and stress-free environment that will enable you to achieve your comfiest workspace.