Support for a Neurodivergent-Friendly Workplace

We believe in a workplace that values and supports neurodiversity, where employees are prioritised and included. Selfridges, with its manifesto of "Everyone is Welcome," proudly claims to stand for diversity and inclusivity. However, the company is failing both its employees and customers by not addressing key concerns that have been raised over the years—issues like loud music, harsh lighting, poor ventilation, and inadequate toilet facilities.

Today, I am raising a petition regarding the excessive volume of music at the Selfridges store in London. Overwhelming sensory stimuli such as loud noise and bright lights can cause significant distress and discomfort, especially for neurodiverse individuals. This environment not only creates difficulties for employees who struggle to work under these conditions but also negatively impacts customer experiences. Customers become stressed, leading to poor interactions and communication, where employees are forced to shout to be heard.

We are employed in retail, not in a dynamic nightlife setting. For neurodivergent employees, this sensory overload is debilitating and makes it impossible to perform their roles effectively. Despite multiple complaints over the years, our concerns have been ignored. We demand a workplace that provides a safe, supportive space, where employees’ voices are heard and valued. We propose the following actions to ensure that our workplace is inclusive of neurodivergent employees: Implement sensory-friendly workspaces by providing quiet areas and flexible lighting options to support employees with sensory sensitivities. DJ performances and live entertainment should not be at such a high volume that they create a chaotic environment, forcing both customers and employees to shout in order to communicate effectively.

Call to Action:  We urge the management team to take the necessary steps to implement these recommendations and create a more inclusive, neurodivergent-friendly workplace for everyone.