A surprisingly effective strategy to boost focus, reduce stress, and support neurodiversity at work
Let’s be honest: workplace meetings are not always the most stimulating environment. Whether it’s a Monday morning strategy session or an end-of-week check-in, staying focused, especially in long meetings—can be a challenge for anyone. But for neurodivergent employees, particularly those with ADHD or autism, it’s not just a matter of interest. It’s about how their brains are wired to process information and stimuli.
That’s where fidget toys come in. You might associate them with kids in classrooms or trendy gadgets on TikTok, but there’s growing evidence that fidget toys are powerful tools for adults too, especially in the workplace.
And here’s the kicker: they don’t just help neurodivergent employees. They help everyone.
Fidget Toys: What Are They and Why Do They Work?
Fidget toys are small, hand-held objects designed to be manipulated. They include everything from stress balls, fidget cubes, and textured rings to putty, tangles, and even discreet magnetic beads.
For people with ADHD, fidgeting isn’t a distraction, it’s often a coping strategy. Research published in the Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology found that children with ADHD actually performed better on cognitive tasks when they were allowed to move around or fidget. That same benefit has been observed in adults.
The theory is simple: movement boosts alertness. By occupying part of the brain that might otherwise get distracted, fidgeting can actually help people stay engaged in what’s happening. It’s tactile, grounding, and helps reduce anxiety.
But even neurotypical people experience similar benefits. Think about how often people doodle, tap their pens, twirl their rings, or play with their hair during meetings. That’s natural fidgeting at work.
The Business Case for Fidget Toys in Meetings
Introducing fidget toys into your meeting rooms might feel unorthodox—but it’s smart management. Here’s why:
1. They support neurodivergent employees
People with ADHD, autism, anxiety, or sensory processing differences often rely on movement or tactile tools to self-regulate. By offering fidget toys as standard, not just upon request—you’re showing your team that you understand and actively support neurodiversity.
This kind of inclusion helps people feel seen, understood, and respected. And according to a Deloitte report, inclusive workplaces are 6x more likely to be innovative and 2x more likely to meet or exceed financial targets.
2. They improve focus and engagement
When someone’s hands are busy with a subtle repetitive motion, their brain is less likely to wander. That means more engaged employees, better information retention, and more productive conversations.
A study by the University of California, Davis found that adults with ADHD who used fidget tools reported increased focus and lower anxiety during long meetings or presentations.
3. They normalise accessibility tools
One of the best things about giving fidget toys to everyone is that it removes the stigma. If only one person uses one, they may feel awkward or “othered.” But when fidget tools are placed on the table for everyone, they’re seen as a normal part of workplace culture, not a special accommodation.
What Fidget Toys Should You Offer?
You don’t need to hand out spinning gadgets or noisy clickers. Focus on quiet, subtle, and easy-to-clean tools that won’t disrupt the meeting. Here are some great options:
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Textured silicone rings or bands
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Stress balls or squishy mesh balls
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Tangles (looped plastic fidget toys that twist and turn)
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Fidget cubes (small cubes with buttons, switches, and dials)
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Putty or therapy dough (great for reducing stress and anxiety)
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Magnetic beads or smooth stones
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Velcro or textured patches that can be stuck to the underside of a table
You can order workplace-appropriate fidget toys in bulk from places like:
Cost-wise, you’re looking at £3–£10 per toy. A small investment for a big boost in team focus and morale.
How to Introduce the Idea to Your Team
You might be thinking: how do I introduce this without it feeling… weird?
Easy. Here’s a simple script you can use in your next meeting:
“You might have noticed a few new things on the table. These are fidget toys—simple tools that can help with focus and stress. You’re welcome to use them during meetings if you find they help you concentrate. It’s just one small way we’re trying to make our workspace more comfortable for different working styles.”
That’s it. No need for a long explanation. Just normalise it from day one.
You could also add a few lines about it in your internal newsletters or meeting room signage. Make it feel casual, not clinical.
Real-World Examples
Salesforce and SAP, two global giants, have implemented sensory-inclusive practices—including the use of tactile tools like fidget items and stress toys, in their inclusive hiring initiatives and neurodiversity programmes.
In a 2022 case study from Harvard Business Review, a software company introduced “focus kits” during team sprints. These included noise-cancelling earplugs, fidget toys, and coloured overlays. The result? 22% increase in project delivery speed and a 30% drop in meeting disengagement (measured via follow-up surveys and video engagement tools).
Closer to home, a small digital agency in Manchester began offering fidget toys in all brainstorming sessions. Their head of creative reported that “people opened up more quickly, stayed more present, and left the meetings more energised rather than drained.”
How It Fits Into a Neuro-Inclusive Workplace
Fidget toys aren’t just a fun novelty—they’re a gateway to a broader shift in mindset. Giving employees permission to move, stim, and self-regulate sends a powerful message: We see you. We welcome your brain as it is.
It’s also an opportunity to start wider conversations about:
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Alternative meeting formats (e.g., walking meetings, no-camera check-ins)
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Flexible workstations and lighting preferences
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Quiet zones and sensory-friendly spaces
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Neurodiversity awareness training
By embedding tools like fidget toys into the everyday culture—not just during Disability Inclusion Week—you’re making long-term, systemic inclusion part of the company DNA.
Final Thoughts
Fidget toys may seem like a small thing. But for neurodivergent employees, they can be the difference between struggling through a meeting and thriving in one. And for everyone else, they can offer a quiet, productive outlet for nerves or restlessness.
In a world that increasingly values psychological safety, inclusion, and neurodiversity, offering fidget toys to all employees in meetings is a bold but simple step forward.
It’s not about gimmicks. It’s about giving your team the tools they need to stay focused, feel grounded, and do their best work.
So go ahead. Order a batch. Leave them out at your next meeting. And watch how something small creates space for something bigger.