Hushoffice pods a Certified Autism Resource by IBCCES!

A major milestone! Quiet, seclusive, calm, and acoustic, Hushoffice booths, including hushFree line, are officially ideal work and meeting spaces for employees on the spectrum, having been awarded the Certified Autism Resource (CAR) badge from International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).

Hushoffice pods a Certified Autism Resource – tl;dr

• Hushoffice booths have been awarded the Certified Autism Resource (CAR) badge by the IBCCES, certifying them as ideal, sensory-friendly workspaces for autistic employees, providing privacy, calm, and optimal acoustic control.
• Designed to address challenges like sensory overload, lack of privacy, visual distractions, and inconsistent acoustic control in open offices, Hushoffice booths offer autistic employees a space where they can focus without overstimulation, supporting both comfort and productivity.
• By catering to the sensory needs of neurodivergent employees, Hushoffice booths create a more balanced and harmonious workplace environment that benefits all employees, reinforcing focus, productivity, and well-being for neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals alike.

“We couldn’t be more pleased at our Hushoffice pods, including every model in the hushFree line, being endorsed by IBCCES, the expert evaluator and certifier of product compatibility with those cognitively different. As a Certified Autism Resource, our pods are officially guaranteed to provide optimal conditions for those with autism, offering a sensory-friendly environment that supports focus, comfort, and communication,” says Bogusława Sasin, Product Manager, Hushoffice.

What does it mean?

The CAR credential is awarded to products and services approved by IBCCES based on the areas of autism competency. This independent board focuses on ensuring offerings like our acoustic pods are well-suited for those with cognitive disorders such as ASD.

With this certification, we reaffirm our promise to support diverse work environments through thoughtful design.

Autistic employees face unique challenges in the office.

From sensory overload to communication difficulties, understanding these challenges highlights why creating supportive spaces through the use of CAR-approved solutions is so crucial.

Sensory overload…

Open-plan offices can be noisy and brightly lit. They can be overwhelming for autistic workers more sensitive to stimuli. Intermittent chatter. Device notifications. Unadjustable lights. All these elements can create stress and fatigue. Ultimately, focus becomes difficult and productivity, stunted.​

Lacking privacy…

Autistic employees tend to struggle without seclusion or quiet areas. An absence of personal spaces to concentrate or break from stimuli can intensify feelings of overstimulation. Having independent, acoustically optimized spaces like pods allows for an escape from the hubbub.

Visual commotion…

Offices with open layouts and constant movement can be visually distracting. Autistic workers often need a calm, minimal space to focus. Reducing clutter and using environments like private pods helps to engender the necessary calm​.

Inconsistent acoustic control…

In open offices, unpredictable sounds can be stressful. Without soundproof areas, the lack of acoustic control leads to constant interruptions. Soundproof booths like hushFree provide the more controlled auditory environment crucial for autistic employees’ comfort and efficiency​.

“Imagine working in a space where every sound feels amplified. Where the hum of conversations and fluorescent lights never quite fades into the background. For many autistic individuals, sensory overload in typical offices is like trying to focus in a crowded cafe. But this isn’t a hopeless situation. With thoughtful solutions like acoustic pods and designated quiet spaces, it’s entirely possible to create environments where autistic employees can thrive. Environments free from overwhelming interruptions and overstimulation. The real silver lining is that when the right accommodations are made, the rare and exceptional talents that many autistic individuals possess can shine brightly, offering contributions that neurotypical people may not naturally bring to the table,” says Bogusława Sasin, Product Manager, Hushoffice.

Autistic employees possess remarkable talents.

Exceptional attention to detail. Strong analytical skills. Keen memory. They also showcase creative thinking, intense focus on their passions, and a solid sense of honesty and integrity. Their unconventional problem-solving and technical proficiency can further set them apart.

CAR-approved interior solutions let neurodivergent talents shine.

Such solutions account for any autistic employee’s susceptibility to sensory overload, lack of privacy, visual distractions, and chaotic audio. Perfectly, IBCCES-approved hushFree booths address each one of these susceptibilities as oases of quiet, seclusion, and stability.

“There are so many great reasons why booths make sense. Especially for employees on the spectrum. Beyond just a preference for quiet and low-stimulation spaces, many autistic individuals excel at spotting patterns. This leads to awesome problem-solving skills. Providing quiet zones or focus booths allows them to dive deep into their work. They also thrive in structured, predictable environments. So having simple, sparse workspaces is a smart move. Plus, their ability to hyper-focus on tasks of interest enables them to produce high-quality work. HushFree booths perfectly support this by shielding them from distractions in a private space. On the whole, the tailored support a booth provides allows a neurodivergent employee’s superpowers to sing,” says Mateusz Barczyk, Senior Brand Manager, Hushoffice.

Catering to employees on the spectrum bolsters everyone’s success.

When an autistic employee voices concerns about noise or chaos in the office, it’s not just a personal complaint. It’s a clear signal of a broader imbalance that affects everyone. Their heightened awareness makes them like canaries in the coal mine, detecting problems early that others may overlook.

“Neurotypical employees often navigate similar discomforts to neurodivergent employees. But their experiences may be less pronounced. They might feel stressed by noise or crave more privacy but might not discern or articulate these needs as clearly. Think of autistic individuals as honing devices. Their sensitivity sharpens their perception of the workplace’s nuances. They are incredibly perceptive and can pick up on disharmony in the office more effectively than their less sensitive counterparts. So when organizations prioritize these insights, they not only support autistic employees but also enhance the overall work experience for everyone. This creates a supportive workplace that fosters focus, productivity, and well-being for all employees. It is in light of these considerations that we wear our Certified Autism Resource badge for our booths proudly, knowing that autism-friendly solutions in the office are really friendly to everyone,” says Bogusława Sasin, Product Manager, Hushoffice.

Acoustic work booths are also gaining traction in educational settings.

Booths offer neurodivergent students space to focus and decompress, or individual study, tutoring, and therapeutic activities. As such, schools are increasingly recognizing their value — they are quiet zones amid busy hallways, and havens of calm in the library where students, particularly those on the autism spectrum, can escape the constant hubbub.

With their acoustics and mobility, Hushoffice work and study booths are an efficient alternative to renovations for educational institutions. They fit seamlessly into existing spaces, enhancing accessibility and comfort without major disruptions. And most important, they offer the students most sensitive to sensory input a low-stimulus environment where concentration comes easily. The CAR credential is therefore an assurance to teachers and parents of students that they are choosing the right assortment for school.

tl;dr

• Hushoffice booths have been awarded the Certified Autism Resource (CAR) badge by the IBCCES, certifying them as ideal, sensory-friendly workspaces for autistic employees, providing privacy, calm, and optimal acoustic control.
• Designed to address challenges like sensory overload, lack of privacy, visual distractions, and inconsistent acoustic control in open offices, Hushoffice booths offer autistic employees a space where they can focus without overstimulation, supporting both comfort and productivity.
• By catering to the sensory needs of neurodivergent employees, Hushoffice booths create a more balanced and harmonious workplace environment that benefits all employees, reinforcing focus, productivity, and well-being for neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals alike.

Hushoffice Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Certified Autism Resource?

A Certified Autism Resource (CAR) is a designation awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). It is given to products, spaces, or services that meet the needs of autistic individuals. The badge indicates a resource has been evaluated for its ability to provide a supportive, sensory-friendly environment, helping create accessible and comfortable spaces for people on the autism spectrum.

Are hushFree booths suited for employees on the spectrum?

Absolutely, hushFree booths are ideally suited for employees on the spectrum. Certified as an Autism Resource by IBCCES, these booths provide an environment that directly addresses common sensory challenges faced by autistic individuals. Meticulously designed to minimize noise, reduce visual distractions, and offer privacy, hushFree booths create a calm, predictable space that allows employees to focus without the overwhelming stimuli typical in open offices.

How can I make my office more autism-friendly?

Consider incorporating IBCCES-certified solutions like hushFree acoustic pods, which are designed to reduce sensory stressors common in open-plan offices.