The Hidden Cost of Sensory Overwhelm in Open Plan Offices

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Open-plan offices were designed to spark collaboration, creativity and a sense of togetherness. But for many employees especially those who are neurodivergent these environments come with an unexpected price: constant sensory overwhelm.

It’s a hidden cost that organisations rarely measure, yet it silently drains productivity, increases burnout risk and pushes talented people closer to disengagement or resignation.

Let’s break down why this happens and what organisations can do about it.

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What Sensory Overwhelm Looks Like (and Why Most Leaders Miss It)

Sensory overwhelm isn’t “being dramatic” or “not coping well.”
It’s a physiological stress response triggered when the brain is forced to process more sensory input than it can handle.

In an open-plan office, that could be:

• The buzz of fluorescent lights
• Constant movement in peripheral vision
• Multiple conversations happening at once
• Echoes, keyboard noise, phone alerts
• Strong smells (cleaning sprays, perfumes, food)
• Sudden interruptions and lack of personal space

For neurodivergent individuals, including those with ADHD, autism, FND, sensory processing differences or anxiety, these stimuli don’t fade into the background.
They stack, creating a relentless mental load.

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The Real Impact: More Than ‘Just’ Discomfort

Sensory overwhelm impacts performance in ways that are measurable:

1. Reduced Cognitive Capacity

When the brain is busy filtering noise and movement, there’s less capacity left for problem-solving, creativity or deep focus.

2. Increased Error Rates

Overwhelm heightens stress, which weakens working memory and attention, leading to mistakes that wouldn’t happen in a calmer environment.

3. Social Withdrawal

To protect themselves from overstimulation, employees may avoid meetings, group work or even asking for support.

4. Higher Burnout Risk

Chronic sensory strain over months or years contributes to exhaustion, irritability, headaches and emotional fatigue.

5. Masking Becomes the Norm

Many neurodivergent employees hide their discomfort to avoid judgement which is mentally exhausting and unsustainable.

Sensory overwhelm isn’t just “annoying.”
It directly affects performance, retention and wellbeing.

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Why This Matters for Organisations

Businesses often invest in wellbeing programmes, leadership training or engagement tools but still overlook the physical environments employees work in daily.

Ignoring sensory needs has real costs:

• Lost productivity
• Higher staff turnover
• Reduced psychological safety
• Decreased innovation
• Increased sick leave and burnout cases

When the environment works against your people every single day, even the most talented employees cannot perform at their best.

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Simple Environmental Changes Make a Big Difference

You don’t need a complete office rebuild to reduce sensory overwhelm.
Thoughtful, low cost adjustments often create immediate improvement:

✔ Quiet zones or low-stimulus areas

Spaces where staff can work without noise, movement or interruptions.

✔ Flexible seating options

Allow employees to choose where they work best, not where the floor plan dictates.

✔ Noise reducing tools

Acoustic panels, carpets, noise-masking systems, or simply allowing noise-canceling headphones.

✔ Predictable meeting etiquette

Reduce last minute interruptions and walk-ups, protect focus time.

✔ Lighting adjustments

Use natural light where possible; avoid harsh fluorescents.

✔ Remote or hybrid flexibility

Let employees work from their optimal environment part of the week.

✔ Clear pathways for reasonable adjustments

Make it easy, not intimidating for staff to request what they need.

Small changes don’t just create comfort.
They unlock higher performance, better morale and stronger retention.

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The Bigger Message: Environment Matters

Open-plan offices don’t work for every brain and that’s okay.
Inclusion isn’t about designing for the majority; it’s about ensuring everyone has what they need to thrive.

When organisations take sensory needs seriously, they:

• Reduce overwhelm
• Improve productivity
• Build trust
• Attract and retain neurodivergent talent
• Strengthen their culture

In other words:
Adjusting the environment is not a luxury, it’s good business.

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Final Thought

Sensory overwhelm is invisible, but its impact isn’t.
If you want a workforce that performs at its best, feels supported and brings their full potential to work, start by looking at the space they walk into every day.

Because the right environment doesn’t just change how people work.
It changes how they feel, how they think and whether they stay.