A transformative shift is underway.
Rather than seeking uniformity, we’re celebrating diversity, and at last neurodiversity is taking a seat at the table, as organisations begin to recognise the incredible value that diverse cognitive styles and abilities bring to our workplaces.
Neurodiversity is a term used to describe differences in the way people’s brains work. It includes individuals with conditions such as Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) – also referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, and Tourette’s Syndrome, to name a few. These conditions may present very real challenges for individuals, creating barriers to them in the workplace.
As the business landscape evolves to address new challenges, companies that embrace neurodiversity will gain a distinct advantage. By recognising and harnessing the unique strengths and talents of neurodivergent individuals, businesses can unlock a new wave of innovation, creativity, and productivity.
“We believe a neurodiverse workforce will help meet changing demands for jobs, tasks, skills and lead to additional paths to innovation which will make an impact in every sector.” Ernst Young, Why neurodiversity inclusion drives better business outcomes.
Investing in Neurodiversity: A Wise Move
Building a neurodiverse workforce isn’t just about doing the right thing; it’s a smart business decision. The return on investment (ROI) is tangible and quantifiable:
- The Ernst Young overview quoted above, reported a $650 million ROI from their neurodiversity program.
- Studies show that teams with neurodivergent employees increase team productivity by up to 30%.
- Employees in Dell’s neurodiversity hiring program have made advances in efficiency and innovation, in part by identifying new ways to automate time-consuming processes.
Taking Action
Transforming a neuronormative mindset in your workplace is not as difficult as it might sound. Simple steps such as providing neurodiversity training for all employees, offering reasonable adjustments (such as implementing flexible work arrangements, low lighting etc), offering mentorship and support programs, and incorporating accessible technology, can all make a significant difference in attracting and retaining top neurodiverse talent. In addition, these adjustments are beneficial for all your employees, whether they are neurotypical or neurodivergent.
Getting Started: Tips for Implementation
- Educate Your Workforce: Raise awareness about neurodiversity and foster a culture of understanding and acceptance.
- Equip your managers: Offer training to your team to on neurodiversity.
- Develop Inclusive Hiring Practices: Use inclusive language in job descriptions, offer reasonable adjustments for interviews, avoid open-ended questinons, offer psychological safety during the interview process, e.g. share the questions in advance, make sure they are relevant and stick to the interview agenda.
- Provide Reasonable Adjustments in the Job: Offer flexible work arrangements, assistive technology, clear processes, workspace sensitive to sensory needs etc.
- Celebrate Neurodiversity: Recognise and value the unique contributions of your neurodiverse employees.
- Conduct Unconscious Bias Training: Help employees identify and overcome their biases.
“…we implemented an alternative hiring process allowing candidates to showcase technical skills, professional development and job coaching for new hires, and education and support for managers.” Neurodiversity in the Workplace, Dell Case Study
Seize the Opportunity
By embracing neurodiversity, companies unlock a previously overlooked wellspring of talent, innovation, and success. It’s not just a social responsibility; it’s a strategic move that positions businesses for long-term success. The time to invest in neurodiversity is now, and the rewards are not just financial but also transformative for your workplace culture.
Additional Resources
Explore further resources from organisations like Neurodiversity in Business(NiB), and Employment Autism.
At Artisan Accounts we’re on a learning journey to make our workplace more inclusive for our team and clients. Find out how we can try to accommodate difference here.
