Neurodiversity Celebration Week
As it’s Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we thought there was no better time to talk about the ins and outs of neurodiversity and why it’s important to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences.
Firstly, what is neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is a term that acknowledges and celebrates the natural variations in neurological traits amongst individuals. This covers a spectrum of conditions such as Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia and others. The ONS published data to show that just 22% of neurodivergent adults are in any kind of employment, and they also reported that 64% of employers still admit to having ‘little’ or ‘no’ understanding of neurodiverse conditions.
So, what can we do to change this?
Pay attention – and actively involve neurodivergent people
An effective approach to championing neurodiversity in the workplace is to pay attention and actively involve neurodivergent team members and employees.
Review the interview and hiring process
Being transparent about your company's work culture, such as working hours, location and benefits enables individuals to assess whether they can thrive within your environment. When interviewing, ensure every single process is clear and concise. As a hiring manager, you need to be open to making reasonable adjustments, this could be things such as providing extra time, breaks, or hosting in quiet spaces to minimise sensory overload.
Focus on strengths
Focus on employees and candidates' strength and abilities rather than solely on perceived deficits. You can look for ways to leverage their unique skills within your team.
Training and support
Provide training and resources to managers and team members on how to support neurodivergent employees rather than expecting them to come to you. Offer mentorship programs or peer support groups.
Neurodivergent individuals might not always feel comfortable expressing their specific needs for accommodations. However, having the reassurance that they don’t need to worry and that the company has established processes in place to accommodate can alleviate a significant amount of stress.
There is always room for improvement! If you have any questions or suggestions on how we can enhance our processes, please don’t hesitate to reach out the people team. We’re here to listen and collaborate towards making positive changes.