Modular meeting pod provider MuteBox has donated one of its flagship products to enhance office acoustics and foster a more neuroinclusive workspace for the UK’s leading autism research and campaigning charity, Autistica.
The MuteBox One was delivered to the organisation’s London office this week as an end-of-year festive gift, and marks the beginning of a lasting alliance between both organisations which share a common goal of improving the world of work for neurodiverse employees.
The addition of a soundproof booth supports the corporate wellbeing of Autistica’s neurodivergent and neurotypical employees alike, providing a sensory-friendly environment to take meetings, focus on work, and escape overstimulating communal spaces when needed.
MuteBox’s donation represents an endorsement of the charity and its newest gold standard measure of neuroinclusivity, the NDEI® (Neurodiversity Employers Index) – which among other things, recommends ensuring workplace environments are neuroinclusive and factors in the provision of sensory adjustments.
This year, over 118 UK organisations took part in the NDEI® to become neuroinclusion champions and demonstrate their commitment to creating change that empowers neurodivergent employees to thrive. Following the successful pilot and launch of the NDEI® in 2024, Autistica has seen huge demand from organisations from across the UK wanting to participate in 2025.
Adil Sheikh, Managing Director at MuteBox: “Autistica does so much to improve employment and wellbeing for autistic people, so we wanted to support with a donation that directly benefits the people behind the work. We hope that the gift of a quiet workspace will make everyone’s everyday working lives that little bit more enjoyable and productive, and can help Autistica towards achieving its mission of doubling employment rates for autistic people by 2030.”
“While neurodiversity has become something of a buzzword in recent years, many employers are still somewhat unaware of the challenges that neurodiverse people face in the workplace. The onus often lands on employees to identify and request the workplace adjustments they need, whereas offices should be designed to be neuroinclusive from the get-go. Traditional open plan office spaces present a lot of barriers to the career progression of neurodiverse employees, and the simple addition of a soundproof space can make the world of difference.
“As many employees navigate returning to post-pandemic, often shrunken, office spaces and adjust to the era of hot-desking, some stigma around adjustments are resurfacing, notably the need to isolate oneself in a quiet space away from colleagues. Adding soundproof booths to the office must always be accompanied by a push for greater awareness around why these spaces are so essential and who they benefit.”
James Cusack, Chief Executive at Autistica, said: “Autistic people face the lowest employment rates of all disability groups in the UK. We know that neurodiverse talent can bring unique contributions to businesses, so providing sensory-friendly environments in which they can thrive is an important part of supporting the wellbeing of neurodivergent employees.
“We know lots more organisations are becoming aware of neurodivergence and want to play their part in creating more inclusive workplaces that support and retain talent. The NDEI® framework helps organisations to assess their employment policies and practices and sets out a roadmap for change to create a neuroinclusive workplace.
“We are excited to trial the soundproof booth so generously provided by MuteBox. The ergonomic design offers soft lighting and low sensory demands, which aligns with recommendations for one of the many ways that businesses can make their offices more inclusive and productive spaces for neurodivergent people. We’re all thrilled to welcome a MuteBox pod to our own office.”
For more information visit www.MuteBox.com and www.Autistica.org.uk
