Johnson Controls Nurtures Inclusivity in its Cork Headquarters
Pictured is one of the dedicated quiet zones that is contributing to a more welcoming and productive environment for Johnson Controls Cork employees. It features updated paint and lighting, fidget tools and furniture with tilt/rock movement to create a more welcoming environment and foster collaboration.
Pictured is a dedicated work zone featuring two standing desks and neutral paint colours. With dimmable lighting, plants, partitions, and noise-cancelling headphones, employees have a quiet space to complete focused work, free from distractions.
Pictured is a dedicated eating zone for private dining. “Communal eating in a large open space can be a difficulty for many. For some, lunch break symbolizes a time to reset, regulate and take some time out. Creating the opportunity to have more private designated eating and lunch spaces separate to the open plan canteen was an important point highlighted by the Occupational Therapist. The smells and noise of an open plan office canteen can mean sensory overload for some, so we wanted to offer more choice and provide simple adaptations within this environment,” said Gina Evans, a senior Occupational Therapist and Advanced Sensory Integration Practitioner.
Pictured is one of the dedicated quiet zones, an outdoor area with calming artwork and soft furnishings. This has a dual functionality of being a dedicated quiet working space to help optimise attention and concentration for those who may find it difficult in an open plan shared office space. The team also chose specific plants for the exterior to promote sensory safety.
Johnson Controls, the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, has launched an inclusivity initiative in its Cork headquarters, designed to champion neurodiversity within its work environment and create spaces where all employees, including those who are neurodiverse, can excel.
Johnson Controls, the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, has launched an inclusivity initiative in its Cork headquarters, designed to champion neurodiversity within its work environment and create spaces where all employees, including those who are neurodiverse, can excel. Through the efforts of an employee-led UNlimited Business Resource Group (BRG), a Cork-based Occupational Therapist, and the support of the company’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) team, the company made changes to its Cork headquarters to create an environment that is more inclusive for all employees with dedicated zones that are more private and welcoming. Neurodiverse employees frequently perceive noises, images and smells differently than other staff members, and research demonstrates that while open plan office spaces allow for a sense of community and collaboration, privacy can be just as crucial for some employees that find it to be distracting and overstimulating.
“Having an inclusive environment empowers all individuals to contribute their unique skills and perspectives,” said Karen Clay, vice president of Talent Management and executive sponsor of the UNlimited BRG. “I commend the Cork team for their cross-functional action on this initiative to make the workplace more inclusive for all.”
“Having an inclusive environment empowers all individuals to contribute their unique skills and perspectives."
Karen Clay, vice president of Talent Management and executive sponsor of the UNlimited BRG
The initiative stems from feedback received from the UNlimited BRG, which advocates for employees with a disability, and their allies. With an interest in being best-in-class, Johnson Controls invited Gina Evans, a senior Occupational Therapist and Advanced Sensory Integration Practitioner, to examine the work environment at One Albert Quay, Cork. Evans recommended inclusivity-based changes and work started on zones with focused on quiet, work and eating. Changes included:
- Quiet Zones: A dedicated quiet room was repainted, had adjusted lighting, with a choice of fidget tools and furniture with tilt/rock movement. Signage was added to the door, to show it was free or engaged. A second dedicated quiet space was created in the outside terrace. A cabin located outside on the fifth floor was decorated with calming artwork and soft furnishings and fidget tools. Wifi, power cables and sockets are all operational in this cabin. With the help of the Global Sustainability Network BRG, the external terrace was populated with specially-chosen plants and trellis to promote sensory safety.
- Work Zone: A dedicated space was created for quiet, private work, where existing furniture and equipment was removed, standing desks were installed, and the wall was painted a neutral colour. Dimmable lighting was installed, plants placed around the area, flexible partitions installed, and fidget tools and noise-cancelling headphones are available at this space.
- Eating Zone: A dedicated space for private eating. Partitions were installed at the rear of canteen to ensure privacy when eating.
“We're thrilled to contribute to this important project,” said Chris Galewski, Service Operation Inventory Manager and President of the UNlimited BRG. “By prioritizing inclusion, we’re empowering our workforce.”
Recommendations from Gina Evans were critical to making the changes in the Cork office.
“These changes contribute toward the development of a more inclusive work environment for employees, explained Evans. “DE&I in the workplace is demanding more attention by employers and I commend Johnson Controls for taking these steps in creating a better physical and sensory environment for their employees. Understanding sensory preferences at work is a key issue for organisations in supporting neurodiversity.”
This work is evolving and continuing on an ongoing basis with the DE&I team.
Johnson Controls has long understood the value of diversity and inclusion. Building on this history, our leadership is moving diversity and inclusion beyond a foundational value to a business imperative. To learn more visit: https://www.johnsoncontrols.com/about-us/diversity-and-inclusion.
Media Contact:
Louise Colledge
+41 79 414 4996
louise.colledge@jci.com
Director, Public Relations and Media, EMEALA
###
About Johnson Controls:
At Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI), we transform the environments where people live, work, learn and play. As the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places and the planet.
Building on a proud history of nearly 140 years of innovation, we deliver the blueprint of the future for industries such as healthcare, schools, data centers, airports, stadiums, manufacturing and beyond through OpenBlue, our comprehensive digital offering.
Today, with a global team of 100,000 experts in more than 150 countries, Johnson Controls offers the world`s largest portfolio of building technology and software as well as service solutions from some of the most trusted names in the industry.
Visit www.johnsoncontrols.com for more information and follow @Johnson Controls on social platforms.