The Autism at Work Czech Republic team is pleased to announce the official opening of a unique office feature. The SAP Metronom Prague office was selected by the Global Autism at Work program as the site for the Sensory Relaxation Room – the first room of its kind at SAP globally.
The new Sensory Relaxation Room (located at B3.57) enhances our efforts to continuously improve the workplace for all employees, while supporting neurodiversity inclusion in the workplace.
The origin of Sensory Relaxation Room concept was derived from the Autism at Work CZ’s 5th anniversary celebration. A designated area at the celebration event to provide a calm space for the participants and prevent sensory overload. The soothing space was an amazing experience with a lot of positive feedback!
„Our aim was to create an inclusive environment that combines relaxation with sensory stimulation elements since most of us are working in the open space office set up which could be noisy. We took inspiration in our Autism at Work program experience and set it in the way that everyone will take a benefit from. Our AaW Czech colleagues supported with the selection of the room´s features during the design process. In the Sensory Relaxation Room everyone can come to have a quiet moment to refresh mind when the day feels overwhelming or stressful. This solution is unique to the workplace set up and shows how inclusive environments bring benefits to everyone.” Says Kristyna Petrova, Global AaW Expert and Sensory Relaxation Room project lead
The new Sensory Relaxation Room is a shielded from the noise and the daily grind at the office. It is a spot to refresh your physical and mental state, find tranquility and solitude, and take a moment’s pause from your activities when needed. Created in consultation with several Autism at Work CZ colleagues, this initiative is designed with the needs of individuals on the spectrum in mind. The Sensory Relaxation Room is open to all SAP colleagues because everyone can benefit from such a space.
The room’s experience is customizable to the individual user by selecting which items to use. The room offers multiple sensory and tactile features which can create a calming effect by activating your senses.
What can you find in the Sensory Relaxation Room?
- Tactile gadgets, such as stress balls
- Sensory light lamp
- Sound system with relaxing music (the user controls if music plays)
- Soft carpeting
- Cozy, soft seating options
This peaceful place was officially opened on April 4
th, 2023, offering a space to relax your mind, body, and soul. Come and experience the ways you can benefit from spending time in this sensory area, such a space is always advantageous for everyone.
About SAP Autism at Work
SAP's Global Autism at Work program was established in 2013 by Global Diversity & Inclusion Office (GDIO). Today, 215+ colleagues on the spectrum are working in a wide variety of jobs across all SAP Board Areas. The program leverages the unique abilities and perspectives of people on the autism spectrum to foster innovation as we help customers become intelligent enterprises.
At SAP, we believe that people on the spectrum are as capable of performing in their jobs as neurotypical people. Our autistic colleagues are hired based on their skills, abilities, education, experience, and capabilities – just like all colleagues. SAP Autism at Work is a pioneer in neurodiversity inclusion in the workplace.
The History of Autism at Work in the Czech Republic
The Autism at Work program in the Czech Republic was launched in 2015 at SAP Services by Lenka Hercíková and her local team. Seven new hires on the spectrum were onboarded and began roles within HR and F&A (Facilities and Administration).
At the Metronom building, SAP Services, SAP Concur and SAP Ariba united forces during autumn 2016, later expanding the program to SAP Labs in Brno.
Since the early 2022, the Autism at Work Czech Republic team is led by Lenka Tejmlová (based on SAP Labs in Brno).
This inclusion program is a demonstration of SAP’s market-leading role in supporting neurodiversity in the workplace.
This article has been created with contribution of Lenka Tejmlova, Lenka Hercikova, Giselle Olguin Jimenez and Sarah Loucks
