Why Every Office Printer Should Include Lilac Paper
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A small, powerful change to support neurodivergent employees and benefit everyone
At first glance, it might not seem like the colour of the paper you print on matters all that much. But for some people, especially those who are neurodivergent, it makes a big difference.
While white paper has long been the standard in offices, more and more thoughtful employers are offering alternatives like lilac paper. And no, this isn’t about making the office look trendy. There’s solid reasoning behind it, backed by research, accessibility guidance, and feedback from people with lived experience.
In this blog, we’ll explore why lilac paper is a simple yet powerful tool for workplace inclusion. You’ll learn how it helps neurodivergent employees, especially those with dyslexia and visual stress, and why making it available to everyone is a smart, low-effort change that signals care and understanding.
The Problem with White Paper
White paper has become the default in schools, universities, and workplaces around the world. But that default can pose unexpected challenges. For neurodivergent individuals — particularly those with dyslexia, ADHD, or Irlen Syndrome — the contrast of black text on bright white paper can be visually overwhelming.
High contrast can cause glare, and in some cases, words may seem to move, blur, or double on the page. This phenomenon is often referred to as visual stress. It slows down reading, increases fatigue, and adds an unnecessary cognitive burden to tasks that should be simple, like reading meeting notes or training materials.
And it’s not just anecdotal. Research shows that for many people, switching to coloured paper reduces these effects. For some, it makes reading feel more comfortable, less stressful, and even enjoyable.
Why Lilac?
Lilac is one of the most commonly recommended paper colours for people who experience visual stress. It softens the contrast between the text and the background and reduces the glare that white paper can cause. For many people with dyslexia, lilac paper helps them read faster and more accurately.
In fact, a 2020 study published in the Journal of Learning Disabilities found that using soft pastel-coloured paper, such as lilac, yellow, or blue, improved reading speed and accuracy in students with dyslexia by more than 20 percent. While individual preferences vary, lilac is often described as a neutral and calming shade that works well for a wide range of people.
So if you’re looking for a single colour to start with, lilac is a great place.
Who Benefits?
Lilac paper is a brilliant example of a universal design choice — something that’s made with specific users in mind but ends up helping everyone.
Here’s who might benefit:
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People with dyslexia, who may find that lilac reduces visual confusion, letter swapping, and eye strain
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People with Irlen Syndrome, who are sensitive to high contrast and harsh lighting
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People with ADHD, who may find softer backgrounds easier to focus on
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Anyone working under fluorescent lighting, where white paper often reflects harshly
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People reading dense documents, as coloured backgrounds can ease fatigue and make long reading tasks more manageable
The beauty of offering lilac paper to everyone is that no one has to ask for it or explain why they need it. It simply becomes part of the environment — a quiet way of saying, “We see you, and we’ve got your back.”
How to Introduce Lilac Paper in the Workplace
You don’t need a big diversity initiative or formal policy to start. Just a few small steps can make a real difference.
1. Stock Lilac Paper Near Office Printers
Place a ream of lilac paper beside your main printers and copiers. Label it clearly and make it as easy to use as the standard white option. You might include a simple sign that reads:
“Prefer coloured paper? Lilac paper is available here. It can help reduce visual stress and improve reading comfort.”
By making it accessible to everyone, you remove the pressure for people to ask or explain their needs.
2. Tell Your Team Why It’s There
Inclusion works best when everyone understands the purpose. You can share a short message in your internal newsletter or team Slack channel:
“We’ve added lilac paper at the office printers. Some people find it easier to read on coloured backgrounds, especially those with dyslexia or visual stress. If you’d like to try it out, feel free to use it for printed notes, reports, or anything else.”
It’s a small communication that opens the door to bigger conversations about accessibility.
3. Avoid Making It About Diagnoses
The goal here is not to single anyone out or create a special request system. Lilac paper should just be part of the workplace — like ergonomic chairs or quiet work zones. When it’s available to everyone, it becomes normal, not medical.
This approach is especially important for people who might not have a formal diagnosis or don’t feel comfortable disclosing one at work.
4. Offer Digital Alternatives Too
If your team works digitally, consider offering document templates with lilac backgrounds in Word or Google Docs. You can also recommend screen tools that allow users to change background colours, such as BeeLine Reader or Dyslexia Friendly extensions.
Even in a paperless office, the principle still applies — creating a visually comfortable reading experience.
Real-World Examples
This isn’t a fringe idea. Many organisations are already using coloured paper to support accessibility.
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University of Cambridge offers coloured paper in libraries and exam settings for students with reading difficulties
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BBC Studios trialled coloured paper in internal printers following feedback from their neurodiversity network
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Brighton & Hove City Council includes lilac paper as part of their accessibility toolkit, recognising that not all barriers are digital
Even smaller companies are getting on board. A local marketing agency in Bristol recently made lilac paper standard for internal training packs after a team member with dyslexia shared how much it helped. They found that other employees preferred it too, and it’s now used in most printed materials.
Where to Buy Lilac Paper
You can purchase lilac printer paper easily and affordably online or at office supply stores:
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Amazon Business UK
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Viking Direct
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Ryman Stationery
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Sensory Direct, which specialises in inclusive supplies for neurodiverse individuals
Most lilac paper costs around £5 to £10 per ream. That’s a small price to pay for something that can improve the working day for multiple people in your team.
Final Thoughts
Offering lilac paper at your office printers is not about being trendy or ticking an inclusion box. It’s about making work a little easier, a little more comfortable, and a lot more inclusive for the people who need it — and even for those who don’t know they do yet.
This tiny adjustment is a reminder that inclusion is built into the everyday details. You don’t always need sweeping changes. Sometimes, it starts with just changing the paper.
So go ahead — stock the lilac, and watch how something small can make a big difference.
Additional Resources
Understanding Dyslexia: Its History and Role in Modern Society
