Neurodiversity & The Workplace
Neurodiversity Celebration week takes place from March 21st - 27th in 2024. Making it the perfect time to develop a greater understanding of Neurodiversity and its importance within the workplace.
So, what does Neurodiversity mean?
Neurodiversity is a term used to explain the subtle differences between people’s brains. Although our brains develop in a similar way, no two brains functions exactly alike. These differences in brain function and behavioural traits are what make us individuals, so it’s important to take time to understand & embrace our neurological differences.
'Neurodiversity Celebration, Why?'
The Neurodiversity Celebration Week website sums up its reason for existence and its goals pretty perfectly –
“Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. It aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported by providing schools, universities, and organisations with the opportunity to recognise the many talents and advantages of being neurodivergent, while creating more inclusive and equitable cultures that celebrate differences and empower every individual.”
Why is Neurodiversity important in the workplace?
Whilst it’s important simply out of respect in the workplace to understand and cater to neurodiversity. There are also many benefits to be gained from fostering a neurodiverse workplace:
• As is evident in all areas of society, diversity contributes to creativity, innovation, and competitiveness. With a more diverse set of employees, there is an increase in the number of unique perspectives to analyse any given problem or to tackle any given task within the office.
• Neurodivergent employees can bring unique experiences and expertise to your office, that neurotypical people may not have.
• Highly inclusive & diverse workplaces give employees a greater chance to learn. Studies have suggested that personal growth is more evident in diverse workplaces – why deny employees the chance to grow & learn?
• Neurodivergent individuals are an often overlooked group of people when it comes to employment, despite studies supporting that neurodiverse organisations have been proven to outperform less neurodiverse workforces.
What is neurodiversity and how does it benefit business.
How can you celebrate neurodiverse employees during Neurodiversity Week?
Neurodiversity Celebration week takes place from March 21st - 27th, so now that we've established why it exists, let's take a look at some of the things you could do as an employer to celebrate and raise awareness!
Review (or create!) policies regarding neurodiversity
Talking about it is a good start, however, it’s important to act and create a more supportive environment when it comes to neurodiversity. Implementing policies to support & educate employees regarding neurodiversity is essential. Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a great time to reflect and adapt current policy.
Support employees who are currently undergoing assessment for neurodivergent diagnosis
It can sometimes take a long time within the NHS to get a diagnosis for a neurodiverse condition. A person who believes they are suffering should not be overlooked just because they’re waiting for a professional diagnosis. They should feel supported in their work environment, it’s important for employers to ensure that this is the case
Train managers to better understand neurodiversity.
Neurodiverse people can often be motivated differently and may thrive under slightly different management styles. Ensuring managers are equipped to better manage a more diverse workforce is a great way to get the most out of every individual in the office.
Host internal awareness events
By creating positive events aimed at highlighting neurodiversity, you can heighten the sense of inclusivity in the workplace whilst also helping educate all corners of the workforce in an engaging way. As opposed to having a talk about the subject that is less likely to effectively get through to employees.
Create a neurodiversity network at work
Especially important in larger organisations, it’s helpful to give neurodiverse people a platform to connect within the workplace. Allowing people to see that they are not alone can be very powerful in improving their well-being at work.
Encourage feedback from Neurodivergent employees
No one can understand the needs of a person better than themselves. It’s important that you give individuals the ability to feedback on the organisations' efforts towards inclusivity and diversity.
Get a Tory Harvey package
On a slightly less technical note, rewarding your employees is a great way to show your support!
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Hopefully, this blog has been informative and helped you understand why Neurodiversity in the workplace is important and how you can make an effort to support it. Feel free to check out more of our mental health & well-being blogs by following the link below: