BSI PAS 6463 Explained: Designing Neuroinclusive Workspaces in the UK

Break down the standard and what it means for offices in 2025 and beyond

Not Every Office Feels Like Home – And That’s a Problem

You know the sort. You step into one of those modern, open-plan offices with polished floors, glass partitions, and minimalist everything — and before you’ve even sat down, something feels… off. The lighting’s harsh, the background noise is relentless, and there’s a nagging hum from someone’s phone charger that’s enough to drive you round the bend.

Now, if that kind of space makes you feel a bit on edge, imagine how it feels for someone whose brain doesn’t filter noise, light, and movement the same way.

Here’s the reality: most offices are still designed as if we all experience space exactly the same way. Spoiler alert — we don’t. Teams today are a rich mix of thinkers, doers, talkers, listeners, and neurodivergent minds with brilliant perspectives. That outdated “one-size-fits-all” approach to office design? It’s well past its sell-by date.

And that’s where BSI PAS 6463 steps in. It’s not just another bureaucratic document to tick off and file away. It’s a timely nudge (or rather, a firm prod) reminding us to rethink the spaces we work in — because if your environment is working against your people, then you’ve already lost the plot.

What Is BSI PAS 6463 (And Why Should You Care)?

Let’s strip it right back. BSI PAS 6463 — officially titled “Design for the Mind – Neurodiversity and the Built Environment” — is the UK’s first formal guidance on how to design spaces that work for neurodivergent people.

It’s been put together by the British Standards Institution (BSI), and it’s all about moving past outdated notions of inclusion — you know, the kind that stops at wheelchair ramps and lift buttons — and starting to think about how spaces actually feel to the people using them every day.

And who’s it for? Anyone designing, managing or adapting spaces — that’s architects, interior designers, facilities managers, HR leads, and business owners. Whether you’ve got a full-scale office refurb coming up or you’re just tweaking your layout post-COVID, PAS 6463 is your blueprint for doing it properly.

We’re talking about real-life improvements that address things like:

• Sensory sensitivity (light, noise, colour, temperature)
  

• Cognitive accessibility (clear layouts, intuitive navigation)
  

• Emotional comfort (feeling safe, calm and in control)
  
  

Bottom line? It’s not just about who can get into a building. It’s about who feels welcome enough to stay, to thrive, and to do their best work once they’re inside.

Why Does It Matter in 2025?

Here’s the long and short of it: workplaces are evolving. Hybrid schedules, flexible hours, mental health priorities — all these things mean our offices can’t just look good, they need to work well.

And yet, most designs still ignore neurodiversity entirely. Not out of malice, just out of habit.

But here’s the kicker:

• Around 1 in 7 people in the UK are neurodivergent — and that’s just the ones who’ve been diagnosed.

• Over half of neurodivergent employees say they don’t feel supported at work.
  

• Poor sensory environments = more sick days, more burnout, higher turnover.
  
  

Let’s not beat about the bush: ignoring this stuff is costing businesses dearly. It’s not just a moral miss, it’s a strategic one too.

If you’re losing good people because they feel overwhelmed, overlooked, or flat-out exhausted just trying to get through the workday, it’s time to ask — is it them… or is it the space?

It’s probably the space.

Breaking Down the Standard: What PAS 6463 Actually Says (Without the Jargon)

Right, let’s be honest — standards documents aren’t exactly page-turners. So instead of wading through 40 pages of technical gobbledegook, here’s the heart of PAS 6463, broken down in plain English.

It all boils down to designing with the mind in mind. That means creating environments that are calming, clear, and considerate of the way different brains respond to space. Here are the main pillars:

1. Tone It Down: Control the Sensory Input

You know what doesn’t help anyone concentrate? Flickering strip lights, walls full of visual clutter, and noise that bounces off every hard surface like a pub quiz gone wrong.

What the standard suggests:

• Use natural or adjustable lighting — ditch the fluorescents 
  

• Sound-absorbing panels and soft materials to reduce echo
  

• Avoid harsh contrasts or excessive patterning in colours and signage
  

• Keep thermal conditions comfortable — avoid stuffy “airplane” temperatures
  
  

Think of it like background music — if it’s too loud, no one hears the melody. This is about dialling down the “noise” so people can actually focus on the task at hand.

2. Offer Choice, Not a One-Size-Fits-All

We all work differently. Some of us thrive with hustle and buzz around us, others need a bit of peace and quiet to get anything done. PAS 6463 says: give people options.

How?

• Create quiet zones and booths for focus or decompressing 
  

• Keep open-plan areas for collaboration, but make them optional
  

• Add soft seating, breakout zones, and enclosed pods 
  

• Provide ‘retreat’ spaces where staff can take five without feeling like they’ve disappeared
  
  

The goal here isn’t to redesign your entire office overnight. It’s to give people agency over their workspace. When people can choose where and how they work, they perform better — simple as.

3. Make Navigation and Layout a Breeze

Ever been in an office where finding the loos feels like solving a riddle wrapped in a maze? Not helpful. For neurodivergent folks, unclear layouts and unpredictable transitions between zones can increase anxiety and stress.

PAS 6463 recommends:

• Logical layouts that avoid sudden shifts in noise or lighting
  

• Clear, simple signage that’s easy to follow — no weird nicknames or abstract art
  

• Consistent design themes across different rooms or areas
  

• Open sightlines to help with spatial awareness
  
  

When people know where they are and where they’re going, they relax — and that calm translates directly into better concentration and smoother collaboration.

4. Design with Dignity: Comfort, Inclusion and Wellbeing

This one often gets overlooked — but it might just be the most important. A neuroinclusive space isn’t about “special areas” for a few people. It’s about dignity for everyone who walks through the door.

PAS 6463 reminds us to:

• Use ergonomic, adjustable furniture that suits a range of bodies and needs
  

• Think about how people use furniture — armrests, legroom, soft edges matter
  

• Design quiet focus zones that don’t feel like isolation boxes
  

• Avoid bright or reflective surfaces that create visual stress
  
  

When people feel physically at ease, mentally grounded, and respected in the way they interact with their space — magic happens. Productivity goes up. Engagement follows. Stress comes down.

And that’s where the right kit makes a difference.

Take the Tulip Stool, for example — not your average perch. It’s height-adjustable, compact, and built for dynamic movement, which supports fidget-friendly comfort without screaming “special seating.”

Or the Cove Light — soft, ambient lighting that mimics natural daylight. No glare, no eye strain, just a calming glow that’s ideal for neurodivergent brains sensitive to brightness or flicker.

These aren’t frills. They’re the kinds of practical, low-lift upgrades that quietly reshape the everyday experience — and that’s what PAS 6463 is all about.

What a Neuroinclusive Office Actually Looks Like (Without Breaking the Bank)

Right then — theory’s all well and good, but what does this actually look like in a working office? No, you don’t need to bulldoze the boardroom or knock through three walls to make a space more neuroinclusive.

In fact, some of the most effective changes are the simplest — subtle shifts that improve comfort, reduce sensory stress, and offer people more control over their environment.

Here’s how forward-thinking offices are doing it, without spending a fortune:

1. Swap Static for Flexible Furniture

Neuroinclusive design isn’t about creating one perfect setup. It’s about allowing flexibility so different people can get comfy in different ways.

Think about seating. Instead of rigid chairs and fixed layouts, more businesses are choosing moveable, adaptive furniture — pieces like the Orbit Swivel Stool that support active sitting and movement throughout the day. It's particularly helpful for fidgeters or those who find long periods of stillness difficult.

2. Use Booths and Pods to Create Zones of Calm

Open plan has its perks — but it’s a nightmare for focus. That’s why more and more offices are installing acoustic pods and sound-controlled booths. They offer privacy without isolation, and a consistent sensory environment ideal for those who struggle with background noise or interruptions.

Add a few well-placed modular office accessories, like dimmable lighting and integrated desk systems, and you’ve got quiet zones that feel intentionally designed, not like a forgotten corner of the floorplan.

3. Prioritise Comfort, Not Just Appearance

Let’s not beat around the bush — a lot of “modern” offices are designed to impress visitors, not support the people who actually work there. But sleek doesn’t always mean supportive.

True neuroinclusive spaces lean into comfort as a priority, not an afterthought. That means:

• No sharp lighting contrasts between zones
  

• Soft, muted materials that calm rather than jar
  

• Plants and biophilic touches that soften edges and regulate mood
  

• Space for quiet breaks without the social pressure of a communal area
  
  

Remember: you don’t need a Google-sized budget to create this — just thoughtful, user-first design.

What This Means for Office Managers, HR and Decision-Makers in 2025

If you're reading this as someone in charge of people, space, or culture — HR, facilities, or leadership — here’s the bit that really matters. BSI PAS 6463 isn’t just for architects and designers. It’s a call to action for anyone responsible for creating a workplace where people are expected to do their best work.

Because let’s face it — it’s no longer enough to offer beanbags, coffee machines, and a weekly fruit delivery and call it “a great place to work.” Employees want more than that. They want to feel like they’re seen, supported, and safe — not just physically, but emotionally and mentally too.

So, what should you be thinking about?

Audit Your Space (Properly)

Start by walking through your office and asking: If I were someone with sensory sensitivities, would I feel comfortable here? If the answer’s no, you’ve got work to do. Look at lighting, sound, layout, and signage. Where are the pressure points? Where are people likely to get overwhelmed or disoriented?

Better still, ask your team. Inclusive design starts with inclusive conversations.

Make Small Changes That Punch Above Their Weight

You don’t need a massive renovation budget. Swapping fluorescent bulbs for softer LED lighting, adding acoustic panels in echoey meeting rooms, offering adjustable-height desks — they’re all realistic steps that bring real improvements.

Even something as simple as installing a Smart Lock on a pod door can create a sense of ownership and safety for private calls or focus time — especially for those who get anxious about being interrupted.

Think Beyond the Checklist

PAS 6463 gives you a framework, but don’t treat it like a tick-box exercise. Neuroinclusion isn’t a policy — it’s a mindset. It’s about building a culture where people feel confident saying, “This space doesn’t work for me” — and knowing they’ll be heard.

That kind of trust and psychological safety doesn’t come from posters on the wall. It comes from action. From thoughtful space planning. From leaders who get that comfort and dignity aren’t luxuries — they’re the bare minimum.

Why PAS 6463 Isn’t Just a Standard — It’s a Sign of What’s to Come

Let’s have it right — PAS 6463 isn’t the end of the conversation. It’s the start of a much bigger shift in how we think about workspaces. The world of work is changing, and with it, the expectations people have about where (and how) they work best.

What we’re seeing now is only the beginning. Neuroinclusion is becoming a cornerstone of wellbeing, productivity, and retention strategies — not just for tech start-ups or trendy coworking spaces, but across industries.

Why? Because when you build spaces that consider everyone — not just the majority — you build stronger teams. Happier people. More focused days. And fewer headaches, both literal and metaphorical.

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to tear everything down and start from scratch. You just have to design with intention, with empathy, and with a touch of common sense.

And if you're thinking, “This sounds like something we should start doing,” — you're absolutely right.

What It All Boils Down To: Design That Works for Real People

Let’s leave the jargon behind for a moment. Neuroinclusive design isn’t a buzzword, a trend, or a compliance hurdle. It’s about designing for real people — your people — who walk through the door every day with different ways of thinking, processing, and thriving.

BSI PAS 6463 gives us a roadmap. But it’s up to each business to make it real.

Whether you’re reworking your office layout, introducing focus pods, or simply rethinking how the lighting feels after 3pm — every change counts.

Because in the end, inclusive design isn’t just good ethics. It’s good business.

Ready to Make Your Workspace More Neuroinclusive?

Explore our curated collection of premium acoustic pods, modular furniture, and intelligent accessories at Soundbox Store. Designed to support focus, comfort, and wellbeing — for every brain in the room.