Low-cost ways to make your workplace HSP-friendly: physical environment

​Here are some general recommendations for creating a physical environment at work which reduces some of the negative stimulation that Highly Sensitive people might be experiencing - increasing their wellbeing, productivity, and beneficial connection with others. ​

Lighting

ARTIFICIAL & FLUORESCENTS
Natural light is best for us all, but HS people need it more than most. We really struggle with high levels of artificial light – especially fluorescents. The negative effects of fluorescent lighting have been revealed in various studies - although claims are a little controversial. Two main reasons are that:

(1) They emit only a small spectrum of light, in comparison to the full colour spectrum that the Sun does - at the blue end. 

(2) They tend to flicker, whether it's observable or not.

Thought.Co has an article which lists these negative effects and their cause. (Some of these aren't the sole cause of such results, but a contributing factor or found in the same situations as other more influential factors).
If these aren't of much concern, or you feel skeptical about them, consider the energy, lifespan and similar aspects, as explained here. As this article notes, anyone who has environmental sensitivities (the best known are those with light sensitivities and autism disorders) will be affected by the lighting in their workplace, and fluorescents are the worst offenders here. 
Remember that Highly Sensitive people respond more to everything - good and bad. Any change which is helpful to them will result in increased performance and wellbeing beyond that of others. 

BRIGHTNESS
HS people are also sensitive to bright light – so sitting near large windows, of the type in many high-rise office buildings, which lack blinds to reduce the glare and level of brightness, is unhelpful. 
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SUGGESTIONS

• replace fluorescent lights with warm-toned lights – even compact fluoros are better than strip lighting.
• make sure ceiling lights are covered, and not exposed
• LED lights are an option – while more expensive, they last longer than other types, and use less electricity. So they’re an economical investment. Choose warm-toned varieties. LEDs are very bright, so make sure the ones used are at a lower brightness level.
• Try not to have HS team members sitting directly under or next to light fixtures.
• To go further, you could even have a space dedicated to low lighting, where HS team members can work if they wish. We actually pick up more light (hence why we’re sensitive to high levels), so don’t need such bright areas to work in as others might.
• Note: the best approach is to consult with your HS people about these changes – involve them in setting up the low-light work space, let them help choose replacement lights/lighting options, etc. They’ll not only be the best guide to what will work, but will also be conscientious about economy, aesthetics, effect on others, and so forth.

​Plants

Introduce plants into the office space. If you have some, add more. Let HS team members take care of them – and even choose them. They’ll take all the variables into account, and will be consistent with their care. The plants don’t need to be expensive, and will give a good return for investment due to their positive effects.

• beneficial for everyone
• especially so for HS people

Break areas

Create outdoor break areas which are:
(a) away from busy roads,
(b) truly free of cigarette smoke (have a completely separate area for smokers, where the smoke doesn’t affect other break areas),
(c) quiet and peaceful (you might have one for those who want to chat and interact, and others for those who want downtime),
(d) with clean, relatively comfortable seating,  and
(e) ideally in a natural space, or at least with some garden areas (this means actual garden – visually attractive and varied, not lawn and a few low plants near a carpark). If your workplace is close to a park or two, bonus!

Do these sound like luxuries? Exposure to the natural environment - plants, quiet, nature sounds - is vital for us all, but especially so for those with High Sensory Intelligence. We take in so much through the day that our senses need space for rest and replenishment. Break areas which are truly a break from the office environment - including, where needed, from colleagues - will increase your High Sensory team members' effectiveness. 

These are a few inexpensive and not terribly difficult steps you can take to help make your workplace more HSP-friendly. You don't need to have a garden like the one above (it's part of the Roma Street Parklands, so I don't think any of us will measure up to it!) or the most modern outfitted office. Just do what you can - and remember, every step you take in this direction will lead to improved performance from your Highly Sensitive team members, with all they have to give. 

(The pop-up offer on this page will direct you to my beginning guide to Supporting Highly Sensitive people in the workplace. It's the information in this blog post, plus extra, in PDF form - so you can save, refer to, and share it as you need).

For more individualised and comprehensive recommendations - and an assessment of your workplace - talk to me about a bespoke consultation . 

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