How to support Neurodiversity in the workplace
- Insight Workplace Health
- Jul 10
- 5 min read
Neurodiversity is a subject that has gained an increasing amount of recognition over the last few years. Due to this, many people and workplaces are learning more about how to be more inclusive of people who are neurodiverse.
In this guide, we’ll go through all the ways that you can create an accepting and supportive environment, ensuring neurodivergent employees feel recognised and valued. By fostering a space where unique ways of thinking and working are embraced, your employees will feel encouraged to work at their best.
Table of Contents
What is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is the concept that there are differences in how people learn, process information and think. These differences are natural variations of the brain, not problems to be “fixed” or “cured”. Approximately 1 in 7 (more than 15%) of people in the UK are neurodiverse, making it an important topic to be informed about. There are a few variations of neurodiversity, with common disorders including but not limited to:
Autism Spectrum Disorder
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
Dyslexia
Tourette Syndrome
OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)
It’s worthwhile to remember that while some people who are neurodivergent classify themselves as disabled, many do not. Disability is characterised by how much their neurodiversity affects their lives and ability to function in day-to-day activities. Neurodiversity exists on a spectrum, so you should never assume that just because someone is neurodiverse, they are disabled, and vice versa.
Want to learn more about how you can support neurodiversity in the workplace? Take a look at our neurodiversity support service and start your company's journey to become more inclusive.
Why Neurodiversity support is important
Learning how to support neurodiversity in the workplace is an essential part of creating an inclusive environment. It also helps support personal growth and development. With more awareness and education, the stigma surrounding neurodiversity has reduced significantly over the last decade or so. Now more than ever, we are embracing neurodiversity as a way of celebrating alternative ways of working and thinking, seeing the benefits of how a diverse workforce creates a more productive environment. With statistics now indicating that up to 53% of Gen Z now identify as neurodiverse, it’s increasingly important to understand and support neurodiversity in the workplace.
Our experienced occupational health staff can advise you on how you can support neurodiverse employees through expert sessions, which will give you all the information and tools you need to help these employees maximise their potential.
Challenges of Neurodiversity in the workplace
Those who are neurodiverse could find it more challenging to succeed in a conventional working environment. They may face roadblocks such as:
Challenges with time management
Sensory issues
Difficulties with communication
Without proper support and understanding, these limitations (along with others) could hinder those who are neurodivergent in their professional development. Through proper understanding and the provision of workplace aids, you can help neurodiverse employees perform at their best. You can give them the right tools and support they need to thrive.
Learn more about how you can encourage neurodiverse employees in the workplace with our neurodiversity occupational health service. This service can range from just one session to a series of six or more if needed, ensuring you have the right strategies to support your employees.
How to support Neurodivergent employees
There are many ways you can support your neurodiverse employees, ensuring they feel comfortable and valued, and allowing them to work at their full potential. Here are some simple ways you can make your workplace more accessible to those with neurodiversity:
Neurodiversity training
Another way to support neurodiversity in the workplace is to provide training and education around the matter to promote understanding and awareness. Not only does this educate employees on neurodiversity, but it also creates a team-wide culture of inclusivity and acceptance.
Workplace accommodations
The most significant way you can support neurodivergent employees is by listening to them and understanding what they need to be able to thrive. Whether that’s noise-cancelling headphones, clear written instructions or allowing remote or hybrid working, there are many simple ways you can accommodate neurodiversity in the workplace.
Contact us to learn more about how you can make your workplace more neurodiversity-friendly.
Create a safe and inclusive culture
Creating a positive working environment where everyone feels accepted and valued is crucial for workplace mental health and wellbeing. You can achieve this by normalising different communication styles, allowing for frequent breaks for those who need them, and celebrating strengths rather than focusing on weaknesses. Make sure you are also listening to your employees and taking on board their suggestions and requests for how to make your workplace more accessible.
Diverse hiring
In order to create an inclusive workplace, it's important to implement diversity hiring practices. This means understanding what neurodiversity is and not seeing it as a negative, understanding that those with neurodiversity hold the same potential as those who are neurotypical.
If you would like more information from an occupational health expert, reach out, and we will help you make your workplace more neurodiversity-friendly.
Building long-term workplace Neurodiversity inclusion
While the stigma surrounding neurodiversity has significantly lessened over the last 15 to 20 years, there is still a way to go before neurodiversity is completely accepted in the workplace and beyond.
The first step to creating a space for progress is understanding. By implementing a supportive environment for those who are neurodivergent, you are taking a step in the right direction. If you would like to make a positive change in your workplace, take a look at our neurodiversity support services. We can guide you on how you can create a more inclusive and accessible professional environment for those with neurodiversity.
Neurodiversity in the Workplace FAQs
What is an example of neurodiversity in the workplace?
An example of neurodiversity in the workplace would be, for example, hiring and supporting someone who is neurodivergent. This includes individuals who have autism, ADHD, dyslexia, tourettes syndrome and other neurological differences.
What do neurodivergent people struggle with at work?
Due to differences in information processing, communication and general thought processes, neurodivergent individuals could struggle with tasks like time management and communication. However, as long as you provide an accommodating working environment, people with neurodiversity will thrive professionally. And remember, while these individuals could struggle in certain professional elements, they will excel in others, such as creativity, attention to detail and innovative thinking.
We can help you understand how neurodiversity can be an asset to your business through support sessions. Reach out to learn more about our neurodiversity in the workplace services.
What are examples of workplace accommodations for neurodiverse employees?
Accommodations for neurodiverse employees can include components like remote/hybrid work, noise-cancelling headphones, clearer task instructions or assistive software. Providing working solutions to neurodiverse employees will help them to work at a high standard, and also provide a culture of acceptance among your team.
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