Sound in the Workplace – How it Affects Employees with Autism

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Updated on 2nd April 2025.

Autistic people can be more sensitive to sound than their non-autistic peers can. In the workplace, autistic people can find sound more unbearable due to triggers such as constant chatter and equipment including photocopiers. Find out more about what autism is, what impact sound has on autistic employees, what common challenges of noise in the workplace can be and solutions to help autistic employees cope with noisy workplace environments

What is Autism?

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Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental diagnosis that affects how people interact with others and the world around them. Around 700,000 people, including children and adults, in the U.K. are believed to be autistic, although these figures could be considerably higher. 

 

Autistic people can experience the following social communication and social interaction challenges:

 

• Taking expressions literally.
• Not understanding abstract concepts.
• Needing extra time to process information or answer questions.
• Repeating what others say to them (also known as echolalia or “parroting”).
• Not understanding facial expressions. 
• Many autistic people are non-verbal. This means they are unable to speak.
• Appearing to be insensitive.
• Seeking out time alone when other people overwhelm them.
• Appearing to behave ‘strangely’ or in a way that many people believe to be socially inappropriate.
• Finding it hard to form friendships. 

 

Autistic people may also exhibit the following restrictive and repetitive behaviour traits:

 

• Having routines so that they know what is going to happen.
• Travelling the same way to and from school or work.
• Wearing the same clothes daily.
• Eating the same food for breakfast, for example. 
• Flapping their hands.
• Rocking.
• Twirling an object, such as a pen, repeatedly.
• Opening and closing a door.

 

While autistic people can find sound overwhelming whether they are in the workplace or not, they can also be over-sensitive or under-sensitive to the following stimuli:

 

• Touch
• Tastes
• Smells
• Light
• Colours 
• Temperatures
• Pain

 

These stimuli can cause autistic people to have meltdowns or shutdowns, including in the workplace.

 

Despite the challenges, autistic people can also possess the following strengths:

 

• Expertise in their favourite topics.
• Hyper-focus (also present in individuals who have ADHD)
• A strong sense of justice.
• Creativity
• Attention to detail 
• Honesty
• Loyalty
• Creative problem-solving 
• Being less influenced by socially derived biases.
• Having excellent memory.

 

The impact of sound on autistic employees 

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Sound can affect autistic employees in the following ways:

 

Sensory processing 

An autistic employee may process information from their senses, such as hearing, differently from their non-autistic peers. They may be unable to filter out irrelevant noises, such as those from microwave ovens in office kitchens. Unwanted sounds can affect how autistic employees can process information, such as instructions from employers or colleagues.

 

Overwhelming environments 

Autistic employees can find it difficult to cope in noisy work environments. This is especially true for open-plan environments that can amplify sound.

 

Increased anxiety and stress 

Sound sensitivity can significantly impact the emotional well-being of individuals with autism, including employees. Constant exposure to sounds in noisy work environments can lead to increased anxiety and stress in autistic employees. These strong reactions to sounds can be overwhelming and may result in behavioural changes such as agitation, withdrawal from work-related social activities, or even panic attacks.

The stress and anxiety caused by sound sensitivity can be particularly challenging in environments that are generally noisy or have unpredictable sound patterns. These can include workplaces or public transport to or from work, where unexpected loud noises are common. 

 

Reduced engagement 

Not only can noisy workplaces cause anxiety and stress in autistic employees, but they can also cause difficulties in engaging with work.  Sound sensitivity can even interfere with an autistic individual attending work. The fear of encountering triggering sounds can reduce engagement with work and hinder the individual’s ability to fully engage in various environments.

 

Case study – Tom Sherbourne (TRIGGER WARNING: This section includes references to anxiety and suicidal thoughts)

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A notable example of an autistic employee becoming overwhelmed in a noisy office environment was Tom Sherbourne, who started working as a senior analyst for npower in October 2017. He found the background noise unbearably loud and distracting, especially with the addition of building work going on nearby. There was no autism diversity policy in place by npower at the time Sherbourne started his role.

Debra Glancy, npower’s operations manager at the time, said she was, “unaware of anything specifically relating to autism within the organisation.” In some informal meetings she held with Sherbourne, Glancy told him he was loud, disruptive, argumentative and easily agitated. She even told him his behaviour was unacceptable. 

About a month after Sherbourne started his job, he “felt subject to distraction,” and the noise levels at work caused him to become distressed.  In February 2018, Sherbourne experienced a ‘breakdown’ at work and said he had suicidal thoughts, but Glancy dismissed these as, “a bit of a meltdown.” Sherbourne went off work sick and his GP diagnosed him with an anxiety disorder.

Sherbourne underwent an autism assessment and was referred to npower’s occupational health team in April 2018.   When Sherbourne returned to work, Glancy offered him a lower-grade role, but he declined. Sherborne presented Glancy with a “wish list” of reasonable adjustments. Despite Glancy saying that everything on the list could be achieved, she failed to make these adjustments.

After Sherbourne’s contract terminated at the end of September 2018, he took the matter to court for indirect discrimination from Glancy. Sherbourne won his case. 

 

Common workplace noise challenges 

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Noisy workplaces can impose many challenges on autistic employees. Common triggers are as follows:

 

Constant chatter

Autistic employees can be hypersensitive to constant background chatter. This can include colleagues talking face to face or on the telephone.

 

Recurring or constant sounds like HVAC systems, printers, and other equipment

Offices and workspaces can include equipment such as HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems, printers and photocopiers. These are in addition to microwave ovens in office kitchens. If these types of equipment are present in an open-plan office, the ability of sound to traverse a wider space is increased.

According to a study by Harvard Business Review, the effects of a noisy workplace on productivity and mental health are an ongoing investigation. The study suggests that employees with other types of neurodiversity and neurotypical employees can also find noisy office environments hard to cope with. 

 

Lack of quiet spaces 

Some autistic employees can be hypersensitive to environmental stimuli, such as noisy and overcrowded areas. These can be overwhelming and distracting to autistic individuals. Many workspaces can have a lack of quiet spaces, which can have a significant impact on an autistic individual’s ability to work.

 

Solutions for autism-friendly workplaces 

 

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There are many solutions to make workplaces more autism-friendly such as the following:

 

Acoustic modifications 

The focus booths at Spacemade, Riley Studios have soundproof tiles. Image by April Slocombe.

 

These can include sound-absorbing panels or partitions, noise-cancelling headphones and white noise machines.   

 

Partitions act as physical sound barriers that prevent sound waves from travelling freely and bouncing off surfaces. The processes of segmenting open workspaces into smaller sections and installing wall partitions create quieter and more focused work areas. 

 

Incorporating sound-absorbing materials and acoustic wall panels enhances the effectiveness of minimising noise levels and absorbing sound waves.   Acoustically transparent fabric can also be stretched over sound-absorbing cores on walls to reduce noise levels.  Ceiling tiles and sound-absorbing flooring can also be used to minimise noise levels.

 

Noise-cancelling headphones 

Most autistic employees may be content to use noise-cancelling headphones while they work. They can significantly enhance the quality of life for autistic employees by minimising sensory overload and creating a more calming environment. They can be very helpful in managing challenging situations, such as noisy workplace environments. They also help autistic employees regulate their sensory input, which leads to decreased anxiety, improved focus, and a greater sense of control over their environment.

It is important to note that some autistic individuals dislike using headphones. This could be due to factors such as sensory sensitivities, not liking the pressure of headphones on their ears, or distraction from other senses. For this reason, it would be best to bring these individuals to a quieter workspace.

 

Creating quiet spaces to work 

Having a quiet space within your business that is away from main workspaces and has reduced noise could be ideal for autistic employees to retreat to is essential. The quieter space should also be clearly signposted to make it easier for autistic employees to find.

Examples of quieter spaces that can be installed in more public working spaces are meeting/focus booths or pods (also known as Zoom rooms). Examples of working spaces that have focus booths are Spacemade co-working space venues, such as Riley Studios in Archway, London. The focus booths have soundproof tiles on their walls. 

 

Flexible working (hybrid work etc)

In his news article for NHS England, Sammy Roberts stated that he struggled to work in an open-plan office where multiple conversations happened and phones rang throughout the day. When the COVID-19 lockdown was reinforced, Sammy was able to work from home. Even post-lockdown, Sammy tends to work from home, which allows him to regulate his sensory environment.

 

Training for seniors and employees to become aware of sensory challenges and offer solutions

Team members who have senior roles and employees can participate in training sessions to promote a greater understanding of autistic employees and enable greater support for them. Employers should also ask autistic employees how a noisy work environment affects them and work with them to develop a way to support them.

 

According to the Care Quality Commission, employers need to meet the requirements of Regulation 18. This requires them to provide employees with appropriate support, training, professional development, supervision and appraisal to enable them to carry out their duties.

 

Two specific points of Regulation 18 are as follows:

 

• Ensuring that all staff receive training in how to interact appropriately with autistic people, at a level that is appropriate for their role.
• Receiving appropriate supervision in their role to ensure they demonstrate and maintain competence in understanding the needs of autistic people, including knowing how to support them in the best way.

 

Benefits of addressing sound in the workplace for autistic employees

 

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Improved productivity

Reduced noise levels in the workplace can significantly improve the productivity of autistic employees by mitigating sensory overload. This allows them to focus better on their tasks and reduce stress, which can often be triggered by excessive noise in a busy work environment. 

 

Better well-being

Workspaces that are dedicated to sensory differences, such as those in autistic employees, can enhance overall well-being in addition to productivity.  Quieter workspaces cannot only improve the welfare and efficiency of autistic employees, but they can also improve the general health and prosperity of a whole organisation.

 

Reduced burnout

Increased sensitivity to sensory input, such as noisy office spaces, can cause autistic employees to experience burnout. Reducing noise levels in workspaces can significantly reduce the risk of autistic burnout.

 

A neuro-inclusive workplace that can attract more neurodivergent talent

By creating an inclusive workplace culture that values neurodiversity, companies can attract and retain a diverse and talented workforce. Reducing noise levels in workplace environments and offering solutions to help autistic individuals cope with the noise levels are good examples of how employers can attract more neurodiverse talent.

 

Summary 

Autistic employees may struggle with overwhelming noise, anxiety, and reduced engagement in noisy work environments. A case study of Tom Sherbourne highlights the challenges faced by autistic employees in noisy workplaces.

 

Autistic employees may struggle with noisy work environments due to sensory sensitivities. Solutions include acoustic modifications, noise-cancelling headphones, quiet spaces, flexible working, and training for employers and colleagues. These accommodations can improve productivity and well-being, and reduce burnout for autistic employees.

 

Companies can attract neurodiverse talent by creating an inclusive workplace culture. Employers can offer solutions like reducing noise levels to help autistic individuals cope.

 

Do you need help creating an autism-friendly workplace?

If you have autistic employees or simply want to open your organisation up to welcome autistic or neurodiverse individuals, we can help. Exceptional Individuals offers expert advice and training on supporting employees with autism and we can help your business become overall more neuro-inclusive.  Get in touch with us now for autism consultancy and training services.

 

If you are an autistic employee or volunteer and find it hard to cope with noise levels in the workplace, you can discuss this with your employer or supervisor. They may be content to adjust and accommodate to enable you to thrive in your workplace or voluntary place.

 

Sources

 

• The National Autistic Society’s What is autism? https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/what-is-autism 
• Autistica’s What is Autism? Autistic strengths: https://www.autistica.org.uk/what-is-autism/autistic-strengths
• Kennedy Krieger’s What Do We Know About Noise Sensitivity in Autism? https://www.kennedykrieger.org/stories/interactive-autism-network-ian/noise-sensitivity-autism#:~:text=Someone%20with%20autism%20may%20process,be%20severely%20distracting%20or%20uncomfortable.
• People Management’s Analyst with autism wins discrimination claim after being ‘overwhelmed’ by office environment: https://www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/article/1742388/analyst-autism-wins-discrimination-claim-overwhelmed-office-environment#:~:text=Judge%20Shulman%20ruled%20in%20favour,themselves%20of%20a%20disabled%20employee%E2%80%9D. 
• Behavioural Innovations’s Autism and the Workplace – Strategies for Success: https://behavioral-innovations.com/blog/autism-and-the-workplace-strategies-for-success/#:~:text=Workplace%20environments%20can%20cause%20sensory,fast%2Dpaced%2C%20or%20disorganized.
• The Treetop ABA Therapy’s Autism Noise Sensitivity: https://www.thetreetop.com/aba-therapy/autism-noise-sensitivity#:~:text=life%20%5B5%5D.-,Emotional%20Arousal,unexpected%20loud%20noises%20are%20common.
• PsychCentral’s The Link Between Autism and Sound Sensitivity (Hyperacusis): https://psychcentral.com/autism/autism-sound-sensitivity
• Above & Beyond Therapy’s Autism and Sound Sensitivity: What We Know: https://www.abtaba.com/blog/autism-and-sound-sensitivity
• HMB Training Services’s Ways to Help an Autistic Colleague: https://www.hmbtrainingservices.co.uk/latest-news/ways-to-help-an-autistic-colleague
• Carrier’s What Does HVAC Stand For? https://www.carrier.com/residential/en/us/glossary/hvac-meaning/#:~:text=What%20Does%20HVAC%20Stand%20For,living%20space%20for%20its%20occupants.
• Chris Turner on LinkedIn’s: How Your Noisy Work Environment Impacts on Diversity in the Workplace: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-your-noisy-work-environment-impacts-diversity-workplace-turner?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&utm_campaign=share_via
• Harvard Business Review’s Staying Focused in a Noisy Open Office: https://hbr.org/2018/10/staying-focused-in-a-noisy-open-office
• Cognassist’s Autism in the Workplace: https://cognassist.com/insights/autism-in-the-workplace/
• Magenta Projects’s 10 Effective Ways To Reduce Noise Levels In Your Office: https://magentaprojects.co.uk/insights/10-effective-ways-to-reduce-office-noise/
• All Star ABA Therapy’s Noise Cancelling Headphones: A Must-Have for Autism: https://www.allstaraba.org/blog/noise-canceling-headphones-for-autistic-individuals
• The National Autistic Society’s Accessible environments: https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/autism-know-how/autism-accreditation/autism-friendly-award/guides-and-resources/accessible-environments#:~:text=Have%20a%20quiet%20space%20within,should%20also%20be%20clearly%20signposted.
• Spacemade Riley Studios: https://www.spacemade.co/locations/london/riley-studios/
• NHS England’s Reasonable adjustments for autistic people: https://www.england.nhs.uk/south/2023/03/27/reasonable-adjustments-in-the-workplace-for-autistic-people/#:~:text=Now%2C%20with%20more%20flexible%20working,and%20smell%20of%20the%20office.
• Care Quality Commission’s Training staff to support autistic people and people with a learning disability: https://www.cqc.org.uk/guidance-providers/training-staff-support-autistic-people-and-people-learning-disability#:~:text=You%20still%20need%20to%20meet,them%20in%20the%20best%20way. 
• AJ Products’s How to change your workplace to better support neurodiversity: https://www.ajproducts.co.uk/blog/improving-the-work-environment/how-to-change-your-workplace-to-better-support-neurodiversity 
• Meditopia’s Autism in the Workplace: Support Employees with Autism: https://meditopia.com/en/forwork/articles/autism#:~:text=a%20tailored%20demo.-,What%20is%20Autism?,Preference%20for%20routine 
• Autism BC’s 10 Ways to Better Support Autistic Employees: https://www.autismbc.ca/blog/autistic-adults/10-ways-to-better-support-autistic-employees/
• Autism Research Institute’s Workplace Accommodations: Tips: https://autism.org/autism-workplace-accomodations/#:~:text=Accommodations%20can%20include%20modification%20of,supervisory%20methods;%20and%20job%20coaching.  
• Mind Shift Works’s Creating an Autism-Friendly Workplace and Culture: https://mindshift.works/creating-an-autism-friendly-workplace-and-culture/ 
• Ambit’s Designing for Neurodiversity: https://www.ambitmoat.com/insight/designing-for-neurodiversity/ 
• Capstone Mental Health’s Understanding Autistic Burnout at Work and How to Combat It: https://www.capstonementalhealth.com/blog/2024/12/26/understanding-autistic-burnout-at-work-and-how-to-combat-it
• Morson Talent’s Embrace every kind of mind: A guide to creating near-inclusive working environments: https://www.morson.com/the-guide-to-creating-neuro-inclusive-working-environments#:~:text=By%20providing%20accommodations%2C%20clear%20communication,and%20allows%20them%20to%20thrive. 
• Exceptional Individuals’ Autism, Employment and Discrimination webinar: https://youtu.be/ntEpFdAEuao?si=pcwgwCantXJpM3GG
• Exceptional Individuals’ Demystifying Autism and Neurodiversity Myths: ASD Fact vs Fiction: https://youtu.be/sEv3Y5Cqkt0?si=1bWn_PXZ226-l3RN