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Global Health Econ Sustain Neuroinclusive workplaces and biophilic design

of neurodiverse individuals (Motti, 2019). Furthermore, workers in biophilic environments are over 15% more
neurodivergent individuals often exhibit heightened productive and motivated compared to those working in
sensitivity to visual stimuli (Dinishak, 2019). As such, sterile surroundings (Hähn et al., 2021). Furthermore,
incorporating views of nature and natural environments employees in spaces featuring natural plants exhibit more
into office design can provide positive sensory experiences than a 15% increase in creativity (Rai et al., 2020). These
and promote well-being for these individuals (Aristizabal enhancements in productivity and creativity translate into
et al., 2021). Moreover, achieving a balance between the tangible financial gains for businesses and organizations.
body’s sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems In addition, biophilic office design has been linked
is essential for maintaining optimal health and well- to improved cognitive performance, with employees in
being (Peterson et al., 1988; Schumacher et al., 2013). biophilic-certified buildings scoring 26.4% higher on
If environments are perceived by individuals as being cognitive tasks than their counterparts in non-certified
stressful or chaotic, the sympathetic system is activated, buildings (MacNaughton et al., 2017). These spaces also
eliciting a “fight-or-flight” response (Perry & Pollard, lead to fewer “sick building” symptoms, with a reduction
1998). Simultaneously, the parasympathetic system is of over 30% reported (Hu et al., 2022). Such improvements
suppressed, disrupting the body’s natural equilibrium and in overall health and well-being can result in reduced
leading to mental fatigue and energy depletion (Adams & absenteeism and healthcare costs, further contributing
Kirkby, 2001). to an organization’s bottom line (Lerner & Stopka, 2016).
Nature, as the primary habitat for humans, inherently Moreover, the benefits of biophilic office design extend
fosters a state of homeostasis, which underpins approaches beyond the workplace, with employees reporting better
to biophilic design in general. The term biophilia originates sleep quality on returning home at night (Boubekri et al.,
from Ancient Greek and translates to “a love of living 2014). The improvement in sleep quality, measured by
things” (Ashwell, 2010). This inherent connection to living wristwatches that track sleep patterns, highlights the
organisms underscores the importance of integrating holistic and long-term advantages of incorporating
natural elements into built environments, particularly neuroinclusive sensory elements in office environments.
in office settings, where individuals spend a significant Therefore, investing in neuroinclusive biophilic office
portion of their time. Furthermore, studies have found design not only enhances employee well-being and
that 76% of the time spent in offices is in sedentary satisfaction but also results in significant financial benefits
activities, such as sitting at a desk and typing; therefore, for organizations. By creating spaces that cater to the
the health benefits are impactful on two levels (Parry & diverse needs of neurodiverse individuals, employers can
Straker, 2013). By designing biophilic office spaces that maximize productivity, creativity, and overall performance,
prioritize multisensory and multimodal experiences, a while also reducing absenteeism and healthcare costs. In
more inclusive environment is created that supports the order to benefit from biophilic design, the present study
physical and mental health and well-being of the general aims to offer valuable insights and actionable resources
population, especially neurodiverse individuals (Requena, for industry leaders seeking to enhance the productivity,
2021). Through the incorporation of natural light, greenery, health, and creativity of their entire workforce while also
and calming visual stimuli, biophilic office design can capitalizing on the unique skillset of the neurodiverse
help mitigate stress, encourage relaxation, and promote a community. By examining various biophilic design
sense of balance and harmony for individuals with varying strategies, such as immersive spaces, multisensory
sensory needs (Kellert, 2008). immersion, escape spaces with natural boundaries
Employee well-being and satisfaction is not the only and nooks, calming soundscapes, thermal and airflow
motivating factor for adopting biophilic design in the variability, material connections with nature, wayfinding,
industry. The implementation of neuroinclusive sensory natural lighting, and the incorporation of digital and bioart,
elements and these design considerations in workplaces this paper will provide a comprehensive understanding of
has proven to yield significant financial benefits. By how to create neuroinclusive office environments.
investing just US$40 per person per year in biophilic design In addition to highlighting the benefits of biophilia in
elements, organizations can experience a productivity the built environment, it is essential to consider established
increase of up to US$6,500 per person per year (Sander design standards that guide the implementation of these
et al., 2019). This substantial return on investment is principles. One such standard is the WELL Building
supported by research demonstrating the positive impact Standard, which includes specific criteria related to nature
of natural elements on employee performance and and access to natural elements. Standards such as WELL
well-being (Pawar, 2013). Studies have also shown that V2 M02 Nature and Place and M09 Enhanced Access

Volume 1 Issue 1 (2023) 3 https://doi.org/10.36922/ghes.0549