Key Points
- Research suggests that sensory-friendly office cleaning can support neurodiverse employees by reducing sensory overload.
- The evidence leans toward involving employees in cleaning decisions to foster an inclusive culture.
Introduction to Sensory-Friendly Cleaning
Creating a workplace that supports neurodiversity is essential for inclusivity, and cleaning practices such as the ones that Jani-King uses play a key role. Neurodiversity includes conditions like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, where individuals may have heightened sensitivities to light, sound, smell, and texture. Sensory-friendly office cleaning, such as using low-scented products and quiet methods, can help reduce discomfort and improve productivity for all employees.
Best Practices for Neurodiversity in the Workplace Cleaning
To make cleaning sensory-friendly, consider these steps:
- Use low-odor cleaning products to minimize smell sensitivities.
- Schedule cleaning during off-hours to avoid disruptions, especially for noisy tasks.
- Train cleaning staff to understand sensory needs and use quiet equipment.
Detailed Insights on Cleaning for Neurodiversity
Understanding Neurodiversity and Sensory Sensitivities
Neurodiversity means the natural differences in how people’s brains work. This includes conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and sensory processing disorders. These brain differences can make people more sensitive to the world around them. This sensitivity matters a lot at the workplace. For example, bright lights can bother some people. Background noises can distract others. Studies, like one from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), show that up to 20% of people might see themselves as neurodivergent. This means workplaces need to think about how to make everyone comfortable. Sensory sensitivities can significantly impact productivity and comfort, making it crucial to address these needs. For example, a study mentioned in a Pinnacle blog post notes that scented air fresheners and cleaning products can cause bad headaches or nausea for those with scent sensitivities, underscoring the importance of sensory-friendly cleaning practices.
The Role of Cleaning in Sensory-Friendly Workspaces
Cleaning methods have an influence on an office’s sensory environment, which in turn affects how comfortable and focused neurodiverse employees feel. The timing of cleaning matters. Scheduling cleaning during quiet periods, like early mornings or after business hours, helps cut down on disruptions from noisy equipment. Regular cleaning helps to cut back on visual and touch-related distractions creating a more organized and less overwhelming space by getting rid of dust as well as clutter.
Best Practices for Sensory-Friendly Office Cleaning
Choose Unscented Cleaning Products: Choose low or no fragrance items to help reduce smell sensitivity. Suitable for offices, Branch Basics provides human-safe, unscented cleaning products created from plant and mineral-based components. Their Concentrate replaces several cleaning products, therefore lessening the need of powerful-smelling chemicals. Like Blueland, environmentally friendly companies, although not clearly stated as unscented in all products, usually give preference to little or natural scents in keeping with sensory needs.
Train Cleaning Staff: Teach housekeeping staff about sensory sensitivities and the value of applying unscented products and quiet techniques. Learning how to limit disturbances—that is, avoiding noisy machinery during peak times—could be part of this training.
Schedule Cleaning Thoughtfully: If possible, work with your local Jani-King to schedule deep cleaning or noisy tasks during off-hours to reduce sensory disturbances. For example, vacuuming or floor cleaning can be done early in the morning or after work hours.
Provide Feedback Mechanisms: Let staff members report any sensory problems they have in connection with cleaning techniques. Regularly ask staff members for comments on cleaning products and schedules to make sure they meet everyone’s needs and promote an inclusive culture.
Creating an Inclusive Cleaning Culture
Beyond pragmatic cleaning techniques, promoting an inclusive culture is essential for advancing neurodiversity in the job. Include employees in decision-making by consulting neurodiverse people when choosing cleaning products and planning cleaning chores. Their feedback can offer helpful understanding of what suits their sensory requirements most.
Neurodiversity in the Workplace
Creating sensory-friendly workspaces through thoughtful cleaning practices is a simple yet powerful way to support neurodiverse employees. Cleaning thoughtfully and fostering an inclusive culture, businesses can enhance the well-being and productivity of their entire workforce. Contact Jani-King today to get started making your workplace a healthier, more comfortable environment for everyone.
