When we think of disabilities, we tend to picture something obvious, like a person using a wheelchair. However, many people with disabilities live with conditions that aren’t immediately apparent. These invisible or hidden disabilities are more common than we realise, yet those affected are often unrecognised. In a busy workplace, this can lead to increased stress and a decline in performance.
But what if your workplace could be transformed to support these individuals and create a more inclusive environment? Installing a sensory room could be the answer.
What are hidden disabilities?
Hidden disabilities are conditions that aren’t obvious at a glance but still impact a person’s daily life. These can include neurodiverse conditions like autism or ADHD, mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression, or chronic illnesses like fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Sensory processing issues, which can cause individuals to be overwhelmed by light, noise, or touch, are also classified as hidden disabilities.
Although these disabilities may not be visible, they can significantly affect how someone functions, especially in a high-energy, noisy workplace.
How common are invisible disabilities?
You might be surprised by how many people live with invisible disabilities. Research shows that around 80% of people with disabilities have conditions that are hidden. This means that a large portion of your workforce could be quietly struggling with physical, mental, or sensory challenges daily.
In Australia, 1 in 3 people live with a chronic condition, many of which fall under the category of hidden disabilities. That’s a significant portion of the population—and likely a large portion of your workplace.
How do invisible disabilities affect someone in the workplace?
Imagine trying to work in an office with constant noise, bright lighting, and overwhelming demands when your brain processes sensory information differently. For someone with autism or sensory processing disorder, this can feel unbearable. Anxiety and mental health issues can also cause similar difficulties, leading to heightened stress, exhaustion, and even panic attacks.
Without a supportive work environment, employees with invisible disabilities may find it difficult to concentrate, experience emotional burnout, or struggle to manage their workloads. It’s not unusual for the quality of work to suffer in these situations, which impacts both the employee’s well-being and the overall productivity of the company.
However, it doesn’t have to be this way. Simple changes, like having a calming sensory room space, can make all the difference.
How can a sensory room assist people with invisible disabilities?
Sensory rooms are designed to be calming environments where individuals can retreat to decompress, collect their thoughts, and reset. In a workplace setting, sensory rooms offer a sanctuary for employees with invisible disabilities who might need a break from sensory overload or stressful situations.
The rooms are equipped with features that soothe the senses, such as:
- Soft lighting or dimmed spaces to reduce overstimulation.
- Comfortable seating like bean bags or weighted cushions for proprioceptive input.
- Gentle music or white noise to block out external distractions.
- Calming aromas to help reduce anxiety.
For someone living with anxiety, sensory overload, or chronic pain, spending just a few minutes in this quiet and soothing environment can help restore balance. Employees return to work feeling refreshed, more focused, and ready to tackle their tasks. This small but important addition to a workplace can have a profound impact on employee well-being.
Creating an inclusive workplace
By installing a sensory room, you’re sending a clear message that your workplace values inclusivity. It’s an investment in the well-being of all employees, not just those with visible disabilities. Studies have shown that the workplace environment can impact employee task performance and commitment level.
Moreover, sensory rooms promote a culture of acceptance. They acknowledge that mental health, neurodiversity, and chronic conditions are part of the human experience and deserve the same respect and accommodation as any physical disability.
When employees feel understood and catered for, their confidence and quality of work improve. This results in a healthier, happier workplace, where everyone can thrive.
Is your organisation ready to create a more inclusive workplace?
Discover how a sensory room could transform your space and help your employees with invisible disabilities.
Book your free 15-minute starter session today.
