Rhonda Clark, TCC Chief Empowerment Officer
It's no surprise that creating an inclusive and diverse workplace is fundamental to an organizations success. According to an article in Forbes, "Research from a 2018 Deloitte report found that companies with inclusive cultures were six times more likely to be innovative and agile." From that same Forbes article, one characteristic that is often pushed to the wayside at work and overlooked by employers is Neurodiversity. Neurodiversity refers to the range of different ways the brain works, including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, to name a few. One way to embrace neurodiverse employees in the workplace is to provide a safe space by implementing some of the following suggestions to continue to incorporate and accommodate neurodiversity in the workplace:
1. Provide flexible work arrangements
Some neurodiverse individuals may need to work in environments that are less distracting, quieter, or with more structure. Providing flexible work arrangements such as working from home or adjusting work hours can help accommodate their needs.
2. Create a sensory-friendly workplace
Sensory processing difficulties can be challenging for some neurodiverse individuals. Creating a sensory-friendly workplace by providing noise-cancelling headphones, adjustable lighting, or quiet rooms can help them feel comfortable and reduce stress for all employees.
3. Use clear communication
Neurodiverse individuals may have difficulties understanding non-verbal cues, sarcasm, or indirect language. Using clear and direct communication can help avoid misunderstandings and promote effective communication.
4. Provide training and education
Providing training and education to employees and managers on neurodiversity and how to support neurodiverse individuals can increase awareness and create a more inclusive workplace.
5. Embrace diversity
Embracing neurodiversity means recognizing the strengths and unique abilities of each individual. Creating a culture that celebrates diversity and values the contributions of all employees can foster a sense of belonging and promote workplace inclusion.
Creating a workplace where all employees feel safe and respected is not a one-size-fits-all. Like the individuals working at the organization, we all come in different shapes, sizes, and perspectives on how to get the job done. According to that same article from Forbes, "Conditions such as ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia and autism are all on the neurodiversity spectrum. With an estimated 15% to 20% of the population being neurodivergent... In a world dominated by rising technological advancement and automation, the benefits that come from having an inclusive, neurodiverse workforce have never been greater."
A LITTLE ABOUT US
We bring combined expertise HR, diversity building, effective communication, mindset management, & culture change. We bridge a number of worlds, from business to the nonprofit sector to higher education. This gives us the perspective to work in any industry and the ability to support the creation of an empowered culture.
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Reference
Price, A. (2022, October 12). Council post: Neurodiversity and the Workplace. Forbes. Retrieved April 10, 2023, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbeshumanresourcescouncil/2022/02/15/neurodiversity-and-the-workplace/?sh=5291d36e2a22