Kelly Chan, who works in accessible marketing, recently posted that Sephora, the popular cosmetic retailer, is instituting something called "Quiet Hours" in their stores. As she describes
in her post on LinkedIn:
"For many disabled shoppers, particularly those who are neurodivergent or have sensory sensitivities, the typical retail environment can be overwhelming. Bright lights, loud music, and crowds can turn what should be an enjoyable experience into a stressful one."
This particularly caught my attention because just the other day I was in a clothing store that literally had a DJ spinning records. I can imagine how difficult it would be for some people to shop in that environment.
Generally speaking, offices are supposed to be conducive to quiet concentration and productivity. But I wonder if something similar could be done at certain times to improve the atmosphere even more, promoting more focus and even fewer distractions. An interesting idea that likely may inspire other retailers and businesses.
Now on to this week's hand-picked productivity links!