Neurodiversity & the Workplace

[Shawmind]

What is Neurodiversity?

Everyone’s brain is wired differently - and we all have own unique set of talents and skills. Neurodiversity acknowledges these brain differences among everyone, as people also learn at different levels and everyone will have their own unique working style.

Neurodiversity is a broad term which includes a variety of conditions and refers to things such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia – among many other conditions. Someone can be neurodiverse without having a diagnosis for any of these conditions, as mild ADHD for example may go unnoticed, especially if an individual can camouflage their behaviour.

It’s Neurodiversity Celebration Week from the 14th to the 20th of March 2022 and we want to spread awareness about the merits of being neurodiverse and why it is important in the workplace.

Why does Neurodiversity Matter?

Some of the brightest and most successful people in society are neurodiverse and their ability to think differently allows them to excel at what they do. Alternatively, someone may have extreme potential, but may be held back because of their condition. Neurodiverse people can be a huge advantage for the workplace, as they can often provide unique perspectives on a problem or can provide a large amount of attention to detail on a task.

It is important for managers and colleagues to support neurodiverse individuals to allow them to maximize productivity and support good mental health. You may find that a colleague or employee works hard and produces good work, but they struggle to concentrate or meet deadlines.

What Might Neurodiversity Look Like in the Workplace?

The following may be an indication that an employee needs additional support in the workplace:

• Struggling to express yourself or trouble communicating with colleagues

• Easily losing focus or getting bored with work

• Problems with nonverbal communication

• Not listening when being spoken to by a colleague

• Feeling scalded when receiving constructive criticism or feedback from colleagues

• Not understanding tasks which have been given by a manager or colleague

• Difficulty learning new skills in the workplace

• Being careless or struggling to engage in tasks

• Getting easily overwhelmed by workloads

• Having trouble making connections with colleagues

How can you Support Neurodiversity in the Workplace?

It is important to accommodate neurodiversity in the workplace to reduce problems such as stress, anxiety, absenteeism and workplace presenteeism, which in turn, supports the overall wellbeing of employees. This can be achieved through the following:

• Have a discussion with your employee in private about what changes you can make to support them in the workplace

• Equip staff with neurodiversity & mental health training

• Have staff take more positively directed perceptions towards neurodiversity – such as avoiding terms like “weird” and instead use terms like “differently-minded”

• Provide opportunities for mental health breaks in the workplace

• Offer opportunities for a more flexible working schedule

Learn more about autism and ADHD by viewing our free information guide: shawmind.org/team/autism-an...

If you’re an employer or manager, it is important that you take the appropriate action to support neurodiverse staff in the workplace. You can also sign up to our Manager’s Mental Health Training course shawmind.org/training/#1622... – all funds go towards Headucation to improve the mental health of children and young people.

If you’re an employee who is struggling with any of these issues, it is important to speak with your manager or supervisor to make sure that you are not struggling in the workplace.