Neurodiversity in the workplace: Creating a neurodiverse workplace

What is neurodiversity in the workplace?

The term neurodiversity recognises that neurological differences are just natural human variations, not deficits. It covers conditions like:

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Characterised by challenges in social communication and restricted/repetitive behaviours. Autistic individuals may have sensitivities to stimuli like sound, light, and touch. Many excel in visual skills, pattern recognition, and attention to detail.

ADHD

Marked by challenges in sustaining attention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. ADHD minds gravitate toward stimulating environments and multi-tasking. They often display creativity, intuition, and dynamism.

Dyslexia

Impacts reading ability, information processing speed, short-term memory, and sequencing skills. Dyslexic people tend to excel in visual-spatial tasks, pattern recognition, and big picture thinking.

Dyspraxia

Affects coordination, balance, manual dexterity, and processing instructions. Strengths include creative problem-solving, resilience, and perseverance through challenges.

While each neurodivergent condition has its own unique attributes, many thrive in a neurodivergent workplace that caters to their needs with inclusive design. Subtle changes to the environment remove barriers, allowing them to fully harness their talents.

Why design and build a neurodiverse workspace?

Forward-thinking companies are realising the compelling business case for embracing neurodiversity:

• Tap into new talent pools - Neurodivergent minds can offer creativity, innovation, and unique perspectives. An inclusive culture helps attract and retain these workers.
• Enhance productivity - Allowing employees freedom to play to their strengths significantly boosts morale, motivation, and output.
• Improve experience for all staff - Inclusive design provides options that benefit every employee, not just neurodivergent ones.
• Reflect your customer base - Neurodiverse customers deserve empathy from businesses who understand their needs.
• Gain competitive edge - Join other leading brands proactively embracing neurodiversity like Microsoft, JP Morgan, Ford, Dell, and SAP.

Key challenges for neurodiversity at work

Neurodiversity encompasses a wide spectrum of individuals, with many neurodivergent people facing challenges in office environments. Creating a more inclusive workspace requires recognising these unique needs and making appropriate accommodations:

• Distracting, chaotic environments - Noise, clutter, and bustle can easily overwhelm. Open floor plans lack quiet spaces for focus work.
• Sensory issues - Heightened sensitivities to light, sound, smell, and texture. Harsh fluorescent lighting and scratchy fabrics cause stress.
• Communication difficulties - Challenges reading subtle social cues, making eye contact, processing complex verbal instructions.
• Wayfinding problems - Feeling lost and disoriented in monotonous, uniform spaces with unclear navigation.
• Anxiety-provoking settings - Unpredictable spaces disrupt comforting routines. Fear of judgement from neurotypical colleagues.