Hushoffice pods awarded the Certified Autism Resource badge by IBCCES

A significant milestone! Noise-free, self-contained, and acoustically-designed Hushoffice booths, including our hushFree line, have been officially recognised as exceptional work and collaboration spaces for employees on the autism spectrum. This recognition comes with the Certified Autism Resource (CAR) badge awarded by International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES)

Hushoffice pods a Certified Autism Resource – tl;dr

• Recognised with the Certified Autism Resource (CAR) badge by the IBCCES, Hushoffice booths have been officially acknowledged as perfect, sensory-friendly workspaces for employees on the autism spectrum. These booths provide a private, noise-free environment with excellent acoustic control.
• Hushoffice booths are specifically designed to address various challenges of open-plan offices, such as cognitive overload, lack of privacy, visual distractions and poor acoustic control. They provide autistic employees with workspaces where they can focus on their tasks while minimising overstimulation, thereby enhancing both their comfort and overall productivity.
• By accommodating the sensory needs of neurodivergent individuals, Hushoffice booths foster a harmonious office environment that benefits all workers. These thoughtfully designed spaces enhance focus, productivity, and well-being, meeting the diverse requirements of both neurotypical and neurodivergent team members.

We are absolutely delighted that our Hushoffice booths, including all models from the hushFree collection, have been recognised by IBCCES – an organisation that evaluates and certifies products designed to support neurodivergent individuals. As a Certified Autism Resource, Hushoffice pods are officially recognised as optimal workspaces for employees on the autism spectrum, providing a neurodiversity-friendly environment that promotes focus, comfort and effective communication

– says Bogusława Sasin, Product Manager, Hushoffice.

What does it actually mean?

The CAR badge is granted to both products and services recognised by IBCCES, based on their alignment with the areas of autism competency. This independent organisation ensures that resources, such as our acoustic booths, are suitable for individuals with cognitive disorders like ASD.

Autistic individuals face unique challenges in their work environment.

From overstimulation to communication challenges, addressing these issues highlights the importance of providing supportive workspaces by implementing CAR-approved solutions.

Sensory overload…

Open workspaces are often noisy and brightly lit, which might be overwhelming for employees on the autism spectrum, who are naturally more sensitive to stimuli. Continuous chatter, incoming notifications, and a lack of adjustable lighting can all lead to stress and exhaustion, making it difficult to maintain focus and productivity.

Lack of privacy…

Autistic individuals often struggle without access to noise-free areas and seclusion. A lack of private spaces to focus or escape from stimuli can further heighten the feeling of overstimulation. Providing self-contained, acoustic environments, such as pods, allows employees to effectively isolate themselves from the office hubbub.

Visual distractions…

Open-plan workspaces and constant activity can be highly distracting. Autistic employees often require peaceful, minimalist spaces to focus effectively. Minimising clutter and offering quiet environments, such as private pods, helps foster the desired sense of calm.

Lack of consistent acoustic control…

In open-plan layouts, unpredictable noise can lead to stress. Without soundproof spaces, the absence of acoustic control results in endless interruptions. Acoustic booths, such as hushFree, offer a more controllable auditory environment which is essential for autistic individuals to feel comfortable and maintain productivity.

Imagine working in an environment where every sound feels magnified. Where the buzz of chatter and glaring lights are unavoidable. For many employees on the autism spectrum, sensory overstimulation in a typical workspace can feel as overwhelming as trying to focus in a bustling cafe. Yet, this challenge can be effectively addressed. By implementing thoughtful solutions, such as acoustic pods and designated quiet areas, you can create a work environment where autistic individuals will thrive – spaces free from constant interruptions and sensory overload. The bright side is that with the right adjustments, the unique and exceptional abilities of many autistic individuals can shine, contributing perspectives and skills that neurotypical employees are less likely to bring to the table

– says Bogusława Sasin, Product Manager, Hushoffice.

Autistic individuals possess unique talents.

Remarkable attention to detail, exceptional analytical skills, excellent memory, creativity, a deep commitment to their passions, uncompromising honesty and integrity are just a few. Their innovative approach to problem-solving and technical expertise can distinguish them from other employees.

With CAR-certified design solutions, neurodivergent talents can thrive.

These solutions address common challenges experienced by autistic employees, including overstimulation, lack of privacy, visual distractions, and chaotic acoustics. Ideally, IBCCES-approved hushFree pods provide silent retreats offering seclusion and stability, effectively addressing each of these challenges

Booths are an effective solution for several compelling reasons, particularly for individuals on the spectrum. Beyond a simple preference for calm, low-stimulus environments, many autistic people possess a natural talent for recognising patterns. This accounts for their exceptional problem-solving skills. Offering noise-free areas or focus booths enables them to zone in on their tasks. While they thrive in more structured, predictable workspaces, providing simple, minimalist work areas is a strategic choice. Additionally, they often hyper-focus on tasks that particularly interest them, which leads to the achievement of excellent results. HushFree booths offer valuable support by protecting individuals from distractions in a private, self-contained space. In summary, with the tailored solution that booths provide, the unique strengths of neurodivergent employees can shine

– Mateusz Barczyk, Senior Brand Manager, Hushoffice.

Accommodating the needs of employees on the spectrum fosters success for everyone.

When autistic individuals raise concerns about auditory distractions in the workspace, it’s more than a personal complaint – it’s a clear indication of a larger imbalance that impacts everyone. With their keen awareness, they often function like canaries in the coal mine, detecting potential issues much earlier than others.

Both neurotypical and neurodivergent employees may face similar challenges, but their experiences may differ. While neurotypical individuals may feel overwhelmed by noise or desire more privacy, they are less likely to recognise and express these needs. Thus, employees on the spectrum can be seen as honing devices, with their heightened sensitivity acting as a lens that allows them to perceive the workspace nuances in greater detail. Thanks to their exceptional perception, they are able to spot imbalances in the workspace more effectively than their less sensitive colleagues. That’s why, when businesses prioritise these insights, they not only support workers on the spectrum, but also enhance the work experience for other staff members. This contributes to a supportive environment that fosters focus, productivity, and employee wellness. Based on these considerations, we wear our CAR badge proudly, confident that autism-related solutions for workspaces make the office more friendly to everyone

– says Bogusława Sasin, Product Manager, Hushoffice.

Acoustic booths are also gaining popularity in educational contexts.

Booths provide neurodivergent students with high-quality spaces for focus, relaxation, individual study, tutoring, and various restorative activities. As a result, schools are increasingly recognising their value as quiet areas within bustling hallways, or peaceful sanctuaries in libraries, where students – particularly those on the spectrum – can get away from the constant noise.

With their top-notch acoustics and portability, Hushoffice work and study pods offer an excellent alternative to costly and time-consuming renovations for educational organisations. Seamlessly integrating into the existing layout, they improve both accessibility and comfort without disrupting the environment. Above all, they offer   low-stimulus spaces to students more sensitive to sensory input, allowing them to focus effortlessly. For teachers, students, and parents, the CAR badge is an indication that the school uses resources that cater to the needs of neurodivergent individuals.

Hushoffice pods a Certified Autism Resource – summarized

• Recognised with the Certified Autism Resource (CAR) badge by the IBCCES, Hushoffice booths have been officially acknowledged as perfect, sensory-friendly workspaces for employees on the autism spectrum. These booths provide a private, noise-free environment with excellent acoustic control.
• Hushoffice booths are specifically designed to address various challenges of open-plan offices, such as cognitive overload, lack of privacy, visual distractions and poor acoustic control. They provide autistic employees with workspaces where they can focus on their tasks while minimising overstimulation, thereby enhancing both their comfort and overall productivity.
• By accommodating the sensory needs of neurodivergent individuals, Hushoffice booths foster a harmonious office environment that benefits all workers. These thoughtfully designed spaces enhance focus, productivity, and well-being, meeting the diverse requirements of both neurotypical and neurodivergent team members.

Hushoffice Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Certified Autism Resource designation?

The Certified Autism Resource (CAR) designation is granted by International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to products, services, and spaces that effectively accommodate the needs of individuals on the autism spectrum. Resources awarded the CAR badge are assessed based on their ability to foster a sensory-friendly, accessible, and comfortable environment for autistic individuals.

Are hushFree booths a good choice for individuals on the spectrum?

Yes! HushFree booths make an excellent solution for employees on the spectrum. Recognised with the Certified Autism Resource (CAR) badge by IBCCES, these booths provide workspaces effectively addressing typical sensory challenges that autistic individuals face. Thoughtfully designed to provide privacy while reducing auditory and visual distractions, hushFree booths create a peaceful, predictable work environment that enables workers to focus without the disruptions of an open-office setting.

What can I do to make my workplace more autism-friendly?

Consider leveraging  IBCCES-certified resources, such as hushFree acoustic booths, which are thoughtfully designed to minimise sensory distractions commonly found in open-plan workspaces.