Hushoffice acoustic pods have officially met the Certified Autism Resource (CAR) standards for products designed to support individuals with autism spectrum disorders. This certification, awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), signifies that Hushoffice pods contribute to creating an inclusive, productive, and supportive workplace environment for neurodivergent individuals.
Approximately 1% of the global population is on the autism spectrum,[1] it is a large group that also contributes to the workforce. In the European Union alone, it is estimated that 10% of autistic people are in employment.[2] However, data from the UK suggests that autistic people face the largest pay gap of any disability group, earning on average a third less than able-bodied people. This gap narrows significantly when factors such as type of employment are taken into account. This suggests that the pay gap is largely due to the inability of autistic people to access higher paid jobs.[3] It can be assumed that one reason for this situation is the persistence of inaccurate negative stereotypes about how autistic people function, which raises concerns about their employment. Paradoxically, more than 50% of all neuro-atypical employees have higher skills than those required for their position.[4] In addition, one of the most frequently cited barriers to employing people with disabilities is the cost of adapting the workplace.[5] Consequently, inclusive office design is a very important aspect in today's office reality. Diversity in the workforce is always an asset, as people with different perspectives on tasks can complement and inspire each other. Cognitively diverse teams produce better results in complex, problematic situations.[6] In the context of office design, the most neuroinclusive approach is to consider the needs of neurodiversity. It assumes that the space will meet the sensory and physical needs of all employees by providing amenities and elements such as acoustic pods. Such a strategy eliminates the need for subsequent adaptation of the workplace, thus promoting equally inclusive recruitment processes without discriminating against atypical people.
Mateusz Barczyk, Senior Brand Manager at Hushoffice
hushFree.M
Supporting Inclusive Teams
Receiving the CAR certificate is a very important confirmation for us that Hushoffice acoustic pods are products that really improve the comfort and efficiency of work for people with special needs. An inclusive office design should include spaces isolated from noise, intended for quiet and concentrated work or conversations that do not distract other office users. Hushoffice pods fully meet these requirements. The wide range of products in the brand's portfolio allows you to choose solutions that fit into the aesthetics and space of any office. Image benefits and a real increase in comfort in the workplace by promoting inclusiveness are not the only arguments for employers. Investing in inclusive solutions can bring real benefits, so it is worth thinking strategically about inclusivity in the office, not ad hoc.
Mateusz Barczyk, Senior Brand Manager at Hushoffice
[1] "The Path to Opening the Polish Labor Market to Autistic People", 2022.
[2] "The Path to Opening the Polish Labor Market to Autistic People", 2022.
[3] "The Buckland Review of Autism Employment: report and recommendations", 2024.
[4] National Autism Indicators Report, Drexel University, 2018.
[5] "The Buckland Review of Autism Employment: report and recommendations", 2024.
[6] https://hbr.org/2017/03/teams-solve-problems-faster-when-theyre-more-cognitively-diverse.