From the ANM archive · Workplace Wednesday
Most workplaces understand dietary requirements.
Fewer understand sensory requirements.
After this week’s Through My Lens article about finding comfort in an unusual combination of yoghurt and crisps, we are continuing the conversation by exploring ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) and food-related sensory differences in professional environments.
Many neurodivergent employees navigate challenges around food that colleagues may never see.
Work lunches.
Conference catering.
Team-building dinners.
Client meetings over meals.
Office celebrations.
For some people, these are enjoyable social experiences.
For others, they can be sources of anxiety, overwhelm, and exclusion.
An employee who brings the same lunch every day may not be "boring."
An employee who avoids team meals may not be "antisocial."
An employee who declines certain foods may not be "difficult."
They may be managing sensory sensitivities, safe food needs, ARFID, food-related anxiety, or other neurodiversity-related challenges.
What Employers Need to Know About ARFID
ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) is a recognised eating disorder that is not driven by body image concerns.
A person may avoid foods because of:
🥄 Texture sensitivities
🥄 Taste, smell, or temperature differences
🥄 Fear of choking or vomiting
🥄 Previous negative food experiences
🥄 Limited interest in eating
In workplace settings, this can affect everything from networking events to business travel.
Creating More Inclusive Workplaces
Instead of making food choices a topic of discussion:
✅ Respect individual preferences
✅ Provide diverse catering options
✅ Avoid pressuring employees to eat certain foods
✅ Don’t use food participation as a measure of team engagement
✅ Create social opportunities that don’t always revolve around eating
A truly inclusive workplace recognises that not everyone experiences food in the same way.
💡 Workplace Mindset Shift
Instead of asking:
❌ "Why won’t they just eat what’s available?"
Try asking:
✅ "How can we ensure everyone feels included?"
Because workplace inclusion is not only about who gets a seat at the table.
It is also about whether everyone can participate without having to hide their needs.
Discussion Question
Have you ever felt pressured to eat or drink something to fit in socially or professionally?
Share your experience in the comments.PhotoThe African Neurodiversity Movement
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