Leading office supplier Codex teams up with AsIAm, Ireland’s Autism charity to develop bespoke office products designed to foster inclusivity in Irish organisations
Codex, Ireland’s leading B2B provider of office supplies and solutions, has announced a partnership with AsIAm, Ireland’s Autism charity for 2025. The partnership will see the two organisations working towards the acceptance of Autistic people in Irish organisations while helping to foster a more inclusive working environment.
The growth in open-plan workspaces means the traditional office setting is often busy, noisy and brightly lit. In this environment, many neurodivergent employees can struggle with sensory overwhelm as a result of overhead lighting, unpredictable volume and social situations. As part of its collaboration with AsIAm, Codex will work to bring a new range of products to the market that are specifically developed to help reduce sensory overload in the workplace.
The partnership will also see Codex become a main sponsor of the 14th Autism Europe International Congress – hosted by AsIAm and Autism Europe – in Dublin on September 11th, at which Codex CEO, Patrick Murphy, will outline his company’s vision and efforts to create a more inclusive workplace for Autistic and neurodivergent people.
“We’re very proud to partner with AsIAm and looking forward to working with the team to support people with Autism and other forms of neurodivergence,” said Patrick Murphy, Codex CEO. “Although there is growing awareness of neurodivergence in the workplace, most Irish offices have been designed by and for neurotypical people and that can present a unique set of challenges that employers should consider through more inclusive office design.
“To ensure that we understand the specific requirements that neurodivergent employees may have in the workplace, we have carried out extensive research in this area.” Mr Murphy said. “We have solicited the voices and opinions of neurodivergent employees and will use that data to further develop products and solutions that help ensure that all employees have a workplace environment that allows them to thrive.
“Ultimately, we hope our partnership with AsIAm will promote a workplace environment where Autistic people feel understood, accepted and supported in their careers,” Mr Murphy said.
‘Neuroinclusion in the Workplace’ research findings
As part of its product development, Codex conducted a survey among more than 200 neurodivergent employees who are in full time employment in Ireland the UK. The majority of respondents identified with ADHD (36.2%) followed by autism (30.6%), dyslexia (17.9%) and dyspraxia (13.9%), with most (58%) respondents suggesting they identified with more than one form of neurodivergence. The research found that:
• 61% of respondents struggle with sound at work
• 56% of respondents struggle with lighting at work
• 55% of respondents struggle with social interaction at work
• 42% of respondents struggle with written or verbal communication at work
• 42% of respondents struggle with sensory processing at work
• While just 4% of respondents do not have any additional challenges at work
Codex’s full ‘Neuroinclusion in the Workplace’ report will be released later in the year.
AsIAm welcomes “champion of diversity” Codex as partner
“We’re delighted to welcome Codex as a corporate partner of AsIAm,” said Adam Harris, CEO of AsIAm. “In recent years, Codex has become a true champion of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, supporting organisations in education and other sectors with innovative products and solutions. Through this partnership, we hope to leverage their expertise to help more Irish workplaces cater for all employees.
“We’re also looking forward to partnering with Codex at the upcoming 14th Autism Europe International Congress in the RDS in September,” Mr Harris added.
Codex’s Category Manager of Furniture & Interiors, Kate Nelligan, has helped to support the company’s increasing focus on supporting neurodivergent employees and their employers through the provision of bespoke solutions including specially designed furniture and facilities.
“Our research highlights that Autistic people, and other neurodivergent employees can struggle with sound, lighting and social interaction in the workplace,” said Ms Nelligan. “Our furniture team will be working with AsIAm to identify ways we can help to address these specific areas in the workplace and help ensure a more inclusive environment where people can comfortably work and learn.”
Founded in 1979, family-owned Codex was last year named one of Ireland’s Best Managed Companies for the second consecutive year. The company has also been an official Great Place to Work® since 2017.
