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How do open-plan offices affect ADHD sensory strain? 

Posted
Updated
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Phoebe Carter, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Open-plan offices can feel overwhelming if you have ADHD, not because you are “not trying hard enough”, but because your brain is genuinely working harder to filter constant noise, movement, and interruptions. UK guidance recognises that the environment can make ADHD symptoms much better or much worse, especially at work. 

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Why open-plan spaces can be so hard with ADHD 

According to the NHS, many adults with ADHD are “easily distracted by noises, people, or activity around them” in busy environments such as shared offices (NHS ADHD overview). 
NICE guidance also highlights the impact of the physical workspace and recommends adjustments that reduce distractions, including quieter areas and flexible seating (NICE NG87). 

Studies in occupational psychology support this. Reviews in the BMJ and Frontiers in Psychology describe adults with ADHD as more sensitive to noise, movement, and visual clutter in open-plan layouts, increasing cognitive load and making sustained focus harder (BMJ review, Frontiers review). 
Workplace research also shows adults with ADHD report more sensory discomfort and interruptions than neurotypical colleagues (Occupational Psychology study). 

What “sensory strain” feels like 

The Royal College of Psychiatrists notes that adults with ADHD may experience “hypersensitivity” to sound, movement, or touch, and that busy workplaces can be especially draining (RCPsych ADHD in adults). Many people describe: 

  • Feeling on edge from constant background chatter 
  • Losing their train of thought when someone walks behind them 
  • Headaches or irritability after long stretches in an open-plan space 
  • Needing significant recovery time after work due to sensory overload 

Research summarised in Lancet Psychiatry links chronic sensory overload to cognitive fatigue and emotional exhaustion (burnout) in adults with ADHD (Lancet Psychiatry). 

Evidence-based ways to reduce strain at work 

NICE NG87 and UK occupational health bodies recommend several adjustments that can reduce sensory load: 

  • Quieter desk options or low-stimulus seating 
  • Noise-cancelling headphones or agreed quiet-focus periods 
  • Visual boundaries such as screens or partitions 
  • Flexible or hybrid working to reduce overall sensory exposure 
  • Structured communication instead of frequent spontaneous interruptions 

In the UK, the Equality Act 2010 requires employers to consider “reasonable adjustments” for disabled employees, which can include workspace changes and flexible working patterns (Equality Act guidance). 

For people exploring diagnosis, private services like ADHD Certify provide ADHD assessments for adults and children in the UK and can support documentation for adjustments (ADHD Certify).  

The takeaway 

Open-plan offices aren’t neutral spaces if you have ADHD; they can significantly increase sensory strain and make focus much harder. UK guidance and workplace law recognise this, and simple environmental changes can meaningfully reduce overload. You’re not being unreasonable by asking for adjustments; you’re advocating an environment that lets you do your best work. 

Phoebe Carter, MSc
Author

Phoebe Carter is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Applied Psychology. She has experience working with both children and adults, conducting psychological assessments, developing individualized treatment plans, and delivering evidence-based therapies. Phoebe specialises in neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, and learning disabilities, as well as mood, anxiety, psychotic, and personality disorders. She is skilled in CBT, behaviour modification, ABA, and motivational interviewing, and is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care to individuals of all ages.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy. 

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS
Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy. 

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