Embracing Neurodiversity: A Key to Unlocking Your Team’s Full Potential

Continuing with the need to improve mental health support, Labour have committed to do more to raise awareness around neurodiversity.  

This year’s Stress Awareness Week focussed on optimising employee wellbeing through strategic stress management with a focus on creating supportive workplace cultures for everyone.

Neurodiversity is still being widely researched and understood, and we are all learning together, how to manage the impact, and stress for those with a recent diagnosis (or those who may still be waiting for a diagnosis) and for employers having to manage workplace situations with sensitivity.

Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in human brain function. An estimated 1 in 7 people are neurodivergent, including those with conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia. This is not a deficit, but a difference in how individuals process information and interact with the world.

Embracing neurodiversity is not just an ethical responsibility; it’s smart business sense. By creating an inclusive environment, employers can tap into a wider, often overlooked, talent pool and benefit from unique strengths that drive innovation and productivity.

The Business Case for Neuroinclusion

Research suggests that teams with neurodivergent professionals can be up to 30% more productive than those without. Strengths often associated with neurodivergence include:

• Attention to detail: Excellent focus and information retention for specific interests.
• Innovative problem-solving: Approaching challenges with creative and ‘out-of-the-box’ thinking.
• Reliability and loyalty: Inclusive environments often lead to higher retention rates and employee satisfaction.

Practical Steps to a More Inclusive Workplace

Small, flexible adjustments can make a big difference and often cost very little to implement.

• Communication – Use clear, direct language, avoiding jargon or sarcasm. Provide clear guidelines for workplace etiquette and deadlines for those struggling with time management.

• Environment – Offer options to adjust workspaces for sensory needs, such as quieter areas or noise-cancelling headphones.  Neurodiverse employees often get anxious in a noisy environment.

• Recruitment – Make it clear that applicants can ask for reasonable adjustments during the hiring process and that a diagnosis isn’t required.  Consider sending questions to candidates before the interview, to give them time to process the information.

• Training – Run awareness days or include neurodiversity in mandatory training to break down stigma and educate the team.

Lead the Way

By proactively supporting your neurodivergent employees, you foster a supportive culture where everyone feels valued and respected for their unique contributions.  Employees who “mask” or try to hide a condition to fit in better, and not able to feel like they can be themselves can be left feeling exhausted and isolated which can lead to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.   If you notice an employee is having difficulty or raises neurodiversity with you, even if only casually, then approach the matter from a point of concern.  Discuss the concerns they have raised, or what you have noticed and ask about whether they have had a formal diagnosis or require any adjustments to help them thrive at work.

Formal Support Following a Diagnosis

After a neurodiversity diagnosis, a person will typically receive a written report, a personalised support plan and a point of contact like a key worker.  This diagnosis and report can be used to discuss support needed at work and form the basis for agreeing reasonable adjustments.

Discrimination

Although an employee may not consider themselves to be disabled, neurodiversity will often amount to a disability under the Equality Act 2010.  It’s worth remembering that there is no qualifying service required to make a discrimination claim, and discrimination awards are uncapped with the average award around £45k.   This has been affected by some high awards, and the median award is around £15.5k.

If you need further advice on neurodiversity and how to approach this sensitive subjective, or making reasonable adjustments please do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of our team who can support you.