E.ON’s immersive OffCentre experience helps colleagues ‘see the unseen’ when it comes to disability

This gap suggests there may barriers to employment for disabled people, including those with non-visible conditions.*

We believe a large, diverse and inclusive culture is essential to unlocking the talent and innovation we need to lead the energy transition. That means supporting all colleagues – including those living with disability – to thrive, contribute, and lead.

True inclusion starts with understanding and that meaningful change comes when colleagues are empowered to see the world through different eyes. That’s why we launched The OffCentre, a powerful new immersive experience created by our adaptABILITY colleague-led network.

The OffCentre is designed to help E.ON colleagues pause, reflect, and connect with the lived experiences of people with both visible and invisible disabilities. By engaging participants in sensory-rich simulations and real-life storytelling, the programme aims to build empathy, raise awareness, and embed accessibility into our workplace culture — not as a tick-box exercise, but as a cornerstone of how we work.

Why this matters

Despite growing awareness, disability-related stigma and inaccessibility remain widespread. National data shows that, with a disability**:

• 41% experienced bullying, microaggressions or harassment
• 23% had their competence questioned
• 24% overlooked for promotion
• 44% miss events due to lack of accessibility
• Only 36–41% report access to role models with disabilities
• Only 34% feel they’ve received the workplace adjustments they need

Initiatives like The OffCentre directly address these disparities by making invisible challenges visible – and felt – for every colleague who attends the experience.

What’s inside The OffCentre

Led by members of the adaptABILITY network, and with the support of creative partner Linney, The OffCentre invites colleagues to step into the world of disability through a carefully designed series of hands-on activities and real-world scenarios.

Participants wear headsets and watch immersive screen-based experiences that replicate sensory overload, providing a powerful glimpse into how overwhelming everyday environments can be for individuals with neurological or sensory-processing conditions.

They also use specialist goggles that simulate a variety of visual impairments, such as blurred vision, tunnel vision and sensitivity to light — helping them understand how even common tasks can become significantly more difficult with these barriers.

Weighted vests are worn to simulate the physical fatigue experienced by people living with chronic pain or long-term health conditions. The vests restrict ease of movement, offering a tangible way to understand the exhausting nature of these invisible challenges.

Colleagues also try heated vests, which replicate the experience of temperature dysregulation –a symptom that’s often associated with conditions such as multiple sclerosis, menopause, or certain autoimmune diseases.

Additionally, participants breathe through narrow straws to mimic the difficulties faced by those with respiratory or anxiety-related breathing conditions, demonstrating how something as automatic as breathing can become a daily challenge.

The experience is anchored by moving first-person stories from E.ON employees living with disability. These powerful testimonials give participants a chance to hear directly how disability can impact someone’s career, confidence, relationships and wellbeing — and how inclusive workplaces can make a transformative difference.

Leadership on inclusion

Anthony Ainsworth, Chief Operating Officer of Industrial & Commercial at npower Business Solutions and E.ON UK board sponsor of the adaptABILITY network, reflected on the broader value of inclusion in driving real culture change:

“The OffCentre initiative is one of the most impactful things I’ve seen when it comes to building genuine empathy across a workforce. Too often, disability is misunderstood or oversimplified – especially when it’s invisible. What this programme does so well is bring the human side of the conversation to life in a way that’s deeply personal and undeniably powerful.

“I’ve always believed that diversity fuels better decisions and stronger teams. But it’s not enough to simply have diverse teams – we need to maintain workplaces where everyone feels they belong. The OffCentre has challenged assumptions, encouraged compassion, and reminded us all that inclusion is everyone’s responsibility. And as leaders, we have a duty to create the kind of workplace where every individual can contribute and thrive.”

Inclusion and the energy transition

As one of the UK’s leading energy providers, E.ON is committed to shaping an inclusive clean energy future – one that benefits everyone, regardless of background or ability. Programmes like The OffCentre are helping us live that commitment every day by ensuring that sustainability and equality go hand in hand.

E.ON plans to take The OffCentre to more UK sites later this year, continuing to drive awareness, foster inclusion, and create long-term change across our organisation.

You can learn more about E.ON’s commitments to accessibility and inclusion, here.