HOK has been featured in the Financial Times for its thought leadership on neuroinclusive workplace design, as organizations worldwide rethink how offices can better support diverse working styles in the post-pandemic era. The article, titled “What does the future workspace look like? It depends where you sit,” explores how companies are moving beyond uniform open-plan offices toward more flexible, choice-driven environments.
Kay Sargent, HOK’s Director of Thought Leadership for Interiors, emphasizes that neuroinclusive design is not a niche consideration but a universal benefit. With an estimated one in seven people identified as neurodivergent, workplaces that account for sensory differences—such as lighting, acoustics, and temperature—create healthier, more productive environments for everyone.
“The sun moves and so should we,” Sargent notes, underscoring the importance of offering layers, tiers, and choice within office environments rather than pursuing a one-size-fits-all solution. She explains that dynamic workplaces allow employees to move between quieter, library-like settings and more energetic collaborative zones depending on their needs throughout the day.
The Financial Times article highlights several projects that embody these principles. Arup’s Birmingham office incorporates adjustable lighting and recreational spaces, while WPP’s Manhattan campus features a variety of work settings including focus rooms, huddle spaces, and shared workbenches. Cisco is also cited as an example of how designing for neurodiversity can elevate the experience for the entire workforce.
As organizations continue to redefine the role of the office, HOK’s approach demonstrates how neuroinclusive design can shape the future workplace—one that prioritizes flexibility, wellbeing, and human-centered innovation.
Highlights
- HOK featured in the Financial Times for leadership in neuroinclusive workplace design
- Emphasis on “choice and control” to support neurodiverse and neurotypical employees alike
- Advocacy for layered, flexible office environments rather than rigid layouts
- Real-world examples from Arup, WPP, and Cisco showcasing inclusive design in practice
- Neuroinclusive strategies positioned as a key driver of future-ready office design
