Embracing Neurodiversity in the Workplace: Guidelines for Employers and Employees.

Neurodiversity is a term coined in the late 1990s, by Judy Singer, an Australian sociologist, with the aim of promoting equality and social inclusion. According to the researcher, neurodiversity is not synonymous with neurological impairment, but has to do with the idea that not all brains process, think or react in the same way. Thus, the term neurodivergent refers to people who have neurocognitive functioning different from the standard expected by society, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia and Tourette Syndrome.

Embracing neurodiversity in the workplace not only fosters a more inclusive environment, it also harnesses the potential of a diverse workforce. This article explores the benefits of neurodiversity in the workplace and provides practical guidelines for employers and employees to create an inclusive environment for all.

Neurodiversity in the workplace can be seen in jobs in science and engineering held by people with autistic traits, explains a 2015 study from the University of Cambridge. In addition, in an editorial published by Forbes, some conditions, including autism and dyslexia, may confer special skills in pattern recognition, memory or mathematics, causing this population to occupy more positions in STEM fields.

Thus, neurodivergent  individuals such as those with autism have unique talents and abilities that differ from neurotypical individuals, such as:

Creativity and Divergent Thinking:

Neurodiverse individuals can offer alternative perspectives and challenge conventional ways of thinking, offering varied answers to a question, which can have positive implications for problem solving in the workplace. 

People with autism may have a natural tendency towards divergent thinking, as they often have a unique view of the world and a different way of processing information. Their unique experiences and insights can fuel creativity, allowing them to express their view of the world in different ways.

Improved Pattern Recognition and Attention to Detail:

People with autism have a greater ability to recognize patterns. Part of pattern recognition can also be attention to detail. Certainly, many autistic people are perceptive of their surroundings. Your ability to hyperfocus on specific tasks can contribute to increased productivity and efficiency in certain areas, especially those that require meticulous analysis and data processing.

Critical Thinking Skills:

The ability to think critically is extremely useful in companies, as it is through it that decisions are made all the time by groups or work teams. People with autism may have unique strengths in critical thinking because of their exceptional logical thinking skills, which directly interfere with job performance.

Greater Efficiency and Personal Qualities:

Individuals with autism excel at activities that involve structure and routine. Your dedication to following set procedures and maintaining consistency in your work can be highly valuable in many industries, such as jobs that require adherence to protocols such as assembly lines, manufacturing, data entry, etc.

However, for a work environment to be considered neuro-inclusive, it is necessary to increase awareness on the subject as well as the recognition of neurodiverse talents and skills so that employers and co-workers are able to support all employees.

Creating a Neurodiverse Workplace

An inclusive work environment does not seek to change people to suit their environment, but rather to change the environment to welcome all people with their unique talents and abilities. 

In order to design a Neurodiverse workplace, organizations need to adopt inclusive practices and accommodations, as follows:

Sensory considerations:

Provide a sensory-friendly workspace that reduces environmental distractions such as noise or bright lighting. As a strategy, employers can consider soft alternative lighting and/or noise canceling headphones. It's also healthy to avoid the push for open offices, and to rearrange the layout of workspaces to reduce noise, as well as create color-neutral workplaces.

Communication:

Employers should strive for clear and direct communication, using visual aids and written instructions where necessary. Communication with the neurodivergent person should contain as much detail as possible, including deadlines and deliverables for their assignments. In addition, it is recommended to give guidelines, always reporting to the person by name, so that the employee recognizes that the message was directed to him/her.

Individualized support:

Offering personalized support, such as mentoring programs, coaching, and assistive technologies, can empower neurodiverse employees to thrive in their roles.

Education and Awareness:

It is important to communicate to employees that sensory needs are not preferences but biological conditions that interfere with the brain's ability to understand sensory stimuli. Organizations should invest in training programs to educate employees about neurodiversity, demystify myths and misconceptions, and promote a better understanding of the skills and challenges faced by neurodiverse individuals.

Flexible work arrangements:

It is important for employers to allow neurodivergent employees flexible work schedules, such as the ability to work part-time, staggered hours or offer the option of remote work. Working at home can provide a more peaceful and familiar environment, reducing sensory stimuli.

For a more Neuro Inclusive Workplace Culture

In the workplace, it is important to create an inclusive and respectful environment for all people, regardless of whether they are neurotypical or neurodivergent.

An inclusive work culture encourages collaboration, mutual respect, and appreciation of all employees’ skills and perspectives, regardless of their neurodivergent differences.

Neuro Inclusive work environments advocate that both neurotypical and neurodivergent people have equal opportunities in their work positions. This includes fair recruitment and selection processes, opportunities for professional development and promotion based on merit, and recognition of the unique value each individual brings to the team.

Thus, recruitment and selection for neurodivergent employees must be carried out with an inclusive approach and awareness of the needs and abilities of these individuals. Here are some tips:

• It is important that employees responsible for recruitment and selection have knowledge about neurodiversity and its different characteristics;

• The insertion of alternative interview options, such as by video call or in writing, with clear and objective questions.

• Include practical tests or role-related projects, rather than relying solely on interviews. This allows candidates to demonstrate their skills in a more concrete and practical way.

It is worth remembering that each neurodivergent individual is unique, and therefore adaptations must be made based on the individual needs of each candidate or employee.

Sources:

1. Sensory Safety: A Must Of Neurodiversity Inclusion In The Workplace
2. Workplace Communication for Autistic Employees