In this episode of the Coworking Values Podcast, Emily is joined by Guenaelle Watson, the head of 360 Workplace, part of the Forefront Group.
Guenaelle shares her workplace strategy and consultancy expertise, focusing on creating inclusive environments catering to neurodiverse individuals.
We explore how designing spaces supporting well-being and mental health can foster community, enhance productivity, and make workspaces more inviting.
Guenaelle delves into the principles of neurodiverse design, emphasising the importance of choice, flexibility, and sensory considerations.
We also discuss the upcoming "Design for Neurodiversity" event on September 17th, part of the London Coworking Assembly Forum & Bar Camp, where participants will engage in interactive workshops to co-create best practices for designing inclusive spaces.
This episode is packed with insights for coworking space owners, managers, and anyone interested in innovative design solutions.
Timeline Summary
[00:00] - Introduction to the podcast and our latest offering for community managers.
[00:58] - Guenaelle Watson's journey from marketing to workplace strategy.
[02:16] - Connecting neurodiversity to design and creating inclusive environments.
[03:14] - Design elements that enhance well-being and mental health.
[07:27] - Overview of the "Design for Neurodiversity" event on September 17th in London.
[09:02] - Approaching businesses about the benefits of neurodiverse-friendly design.
[12:38] - Financial and business benefits of inclusive workspace design.
[14:13] - Personal stories and passion for creating comfortable spaces.
[15:29]—Details about the interactive workshops at the London Coworking Assembly Forum & Bar Camp on September 17th, 2024.
Detailed Episode Breakdown
Meet Guenaelle Watson
Guenaelle shares her fascinating journey from studying marketing and interior design to becoming a leader in workplace strategy.
Her passion for understanding how environments impact human behaviour led her to head 360 Workplace, where she helps clients create spaces that support diverse needs.
Designing for Neurodiversity
The conversation explores the critical role of neurodiverse design in fostering inclusive environments.
Guenaelle explains how understanding user preferences and providing a variety of workspace settings can accommodate different needs and enhance well-being.
Key Design Principles
Guenaelle outlines specific design principles that cater to neurodiverse populations, such as flexibility, choice, and control over environmental factors like lighting and acoustics.
She highlights the importance of engaging with users to understand their unique challenges and preferences.
Business Benefits and Quick Wins
We discuss the financial benefits of designing for neurodiversity, including improved occupancy rates and customer satisfaction.
Guenaelle shares strategies for creating more inclusive spaces that can be implemented quickly and cost-effectively.
London Coworking Assembly Forum & Bar Camp
Guenaelle introduces the "Design for Neurodiversity" event, part of the London Coworking Assembly Forum & Bar Camp, on 17th September 2024.
It features interactive workshops on co-creating best practices for inclusive design.
The event involves group discussions, activities using Post-it notes, and a friendly design competition to inspire creative solutions for neuro-inclusive environments.
Participants will receive guidance from in-house design experts to explore innovative approaches.
Workshops and Audience
The workshops are designed to be highly interactive, encouraging collaboration through group activities and a design competition.
The event is ideal for anyone involved in coworking spaces, whether they own, manage, or work in them.
It aims to provide insights into what drives behaviours and supports people, making it relevant for those looking to enhance their space's inclusivity and appeal.
Links & Resources
London Coworking Assembly Forum & Bar Camp 17th September 2024
Join the 7k people in the LinkedIn Coworking Group
360 Workplace - Learn about Guenaelle's workplace consultancy and its approach to inclusive design.
Forefront Group - Explore the parent company of 360 Workplace and their diverse offerings.
Connect with Emily on LinkedIn
Connect with Guenaelle on LinkedIn
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