Jones@Randstad - The Importance of Acknowledging Neurodiversity in The Workplace - Randstad UK

28/03/2022, 12:16 The Importance of Acknowledging Neurodiversity in the Workplace | Randstad UK
diversity & inclusion
the importance of acknowledging

neurodiversity in the workplace.
14 March 2022
more D&I insights for employers
click here
Research shows that 22% of people with autism are unemployed - a truly
shocking comparison to those without developmental disorders. This
statistic highlights that neurodiversity in the workplace needs to be
improved. But how can businesses embrace these differences and work
towards inclusion?
To answer that question it's important to understand what exactly

neurodiversity is and how it affects people working with neurodiversity.
Only then can we create welcoming, friendly spaces for everyone.
This article will act as a guide to everything related to workplace

neurodiversity. It will also cover how to achieve the magical balance of
inclusion and productivity in your offices.
https://www.randstad.co.uk/employers/diversity-inclusion/importance-acknowledging-neurodiversity-workplace/ 1/11
Understanding Neurodiversity
If you've been wondering, what is neurodiversity? Then, you're not alone.
Many people assume that "high functioning" means that those on the
autism spectrum can work just like everyone else.
However, it's not a one size fits all approach to supporting neurodiversity
in the workplace. In fact, neurodivergent relates to many different
conditions that are not only autism. For example:
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• Dyslexia
• Dyspraxia
• Dysnomia
• Dyscalculia
• Tourette's Syndrome
Therefore, when it comes to offering supportive working environments

you need to consider the individual needs of your employees.
Seeing that one in seven people in the UK is neurodivergent means

companies need to step up their efforts in making jobs and careers more
accessible to people on the neurodivergent spectrum.
But, how can your business embrace neurodiversity in the workplace?
Embracing neurodivergence as a superpower

This Neurodiversity Celebration Week presents the ideal opportunity to
pick up some tips for making your neurodivergent employees feel
wonderful during this time:
1. Highlight Your neurodivergent employees

The best way to address the query, "what is workplace neurodiversity?" is
by having your employees feel comfortable enough to talk openly about
their experiences.
You can create presentations, hold events, and educate your staff to the
best of your ability, but a human story can help tremendously with
informing people about neurodiversity.
Therefore, you should create surveys for staff so you can get personal
feedback about what to improve in your workplace. Then, you can start
implementing changes.
2. Open your doors to neurodivergent employees

As far as recruitment goes, it's essential to make your business open to
people on the neurodivergent spectrum. If your company appears to be
selective and dismissive of these employees, it's bad for your reputation.
You should have training for your HR and recruitment teams so they know
what skills to look for. For instance, neurodiverse people tend to be
analytical, creative, and excellent problem solvers, all of which are
fantastic characteristics for your employees to have!
3. Words matter
Another key part of neurodiversity in the workplace is language. Words are
powerful, and consistency is necessary when it comes to your company
mission statements, employee handbook, and job descriptions.
You can also consider including a specific policy in your contracts about
neurodiversity to emphasise the values and beliefs of your brand. This will
help instil trust with colleagues and employees.
4. Listen
Making time to listen and have conversations with neurodivergent
employees could be the secret to improving your workplace culture. If
your staff feel like they are lacking support then you can invest in better
guidance.
For instance, you can hire separate counsellors or start groups where
neurodiverse people can voice their concerns in a safe space.
Plus, you can change lighting systems for people with sensitivities and
monitor noise levels if people feel that the noises are distracting for their
work.
Listening to your neurodiverse employees should be a top priority.

Otherwise, you can't provide the necessary environment for them to
thrive.
5. Consider legal obligations

Sometimes your business will have a legal obligation to protect its
neurodivergent staff from discrimination and abuse. You should carefully
look over all your documents and talk with your legal team about this.
In terms of the legal aspects of fostering a good workplace for

neurodivergent employees, you should also train other staff to know the
correct language and rules to use when at work.
This will help everyone feel more comfortable and will avoid any unwanted
conflicts that might arise.
6. Praise neurodiversity
In any workplace, it's important to praise individual success and new
records, but it's even more important to praise neurodiverse people's
accomplishments...
Why?
Because most employees may overlook certain achievements like

submitting numerous tasks in one day or meeting new deadlines. But, for
neurodivergent people, this is a moment of pride.
Therefore, taking time to praise all individuals on the successes of their

goals is brilliant way to make your staff feel included.
7. Start a buddy system

Buddy systems have been used in organisations for years as a way to
include new members of staff and build better relations between
colleagues. However, the buddy system is essential for including
neurodiverse people.
Having neurodiverse mentors for other neurodiverse employees makes it

easier for people to settle into new environments. Everyone likes to have
someone who they can relate to teaching them about the job.
Using the buddy system can also help neurodivergent people make
friends at work, which will make them feel part of the team and
appreciated.
8. Flexible locations
With the rise of working from home, many neurodiverse people are remote
working. If your business feels that your employees would benefit from
this flexibility, then you might want to re-think your location.
Offering the choice to work from home where neurodiverse people can be
in their own space, with their own things, might benefit your company.
Productivity can increase with this hybrid setup.
Not only is it important for the daily working routines, but it is also more
beneficial to the overall wellbeing of neurodiverse people.
Similarly, if you have staff who prefer a routine which includes attending
the office as part of a blended working schedule, it’s worth examining or
introducing "un-bookable" desks. This provides comfort to those who
need/want continuity in their workspace, reassuring them that they have a
desk or specific working space that they can call their own.
9. Redefine success
Success is relative, whether people are neurodiverse or not, so as a
business you shouldn't predefine achievements. You should make room
for neurodiversity when it comes to growth and goals.
For example, some people might want to rapidly progress within an

organisation, whereas others prefer to focus on finding a job they enjoy
and can see themselves doing in the long term.
Therefore, you should create various paths to success for neurodiverse

people so they can achieve their version of accomplishments they can
take pride in.
10. Invest in a positive work culture

Nowadays, there are many ways to invent a good work culture for
neurodiverse people with the help of technology such as social media and
chat forums.
Using social media to promote the amazing neurodiverse people at your

work sends a great message and shows that you value each person for
their individuality.
Likewise, using online chat forums where people can meet virtually if they
work from home allows people to feel part of the culture even if they aren't
physically in the same room.
Reinventing neurodiversity in the workplace

Thankfully, we live in a world where differences are celebrated and
businesses are looking to improve their work culture so people feel more
committed to their jobs.
That's why promoting good mental health practices and wellbeing for your
neurodiverse staff will make your company stand out from the rest. If
people see that you look after employees, then it'll attract new
candidates.
There are a few other ways to nurture a healthy environment to ensure

everyone is included in the company. Here are some ways you can make
your workplace more attractive for the neurodiverse community.
Prioritise self-care
As a business, you can encourage your staff to prioritise self-care by
hosting virtual wellbeing events, creating inspiring emails, and organising
newsletters that highlight local events in your area.
Promoting a healthy work-life balance is a huge part of neurodiversity in

the workplace. Employees need to be able to take time off when they feel
overwhelmed or when they need to de-stress.
Showcasing self-care activities will inspire a positive atmosphere around

neurodiversity and help you become more appealing to the neurodiverse
workforce.
You can also hand out monthly care packages with self-care items such as
candles, stickers, t-shirts, and books. This will make your employees feel
special, and it takes little time and money to create.
Creating the right workplace

Ultimately, creating a workplace with a healthy attitude towards
neurodiversity means that you'll need some assistance. Not all companies
are passionate about inclusion so you need to take your time investing in
it.
So, where can you find services to give you advice on supporting
neurodiversity?
Randstad is the world’s leading provider of HR services, offering a range of

useful information on the topic and extensive industry insights. Click here
below to request a chat with one of our experts:
contact us
Jobs that celebrate neurodiversity
Jobs are essential to being part of society and developing bonds with the
rest of your community, but finding the right position can be hard. Luckily,
Randstad is here to help promote neurodiverse workplaces.
Neurodiversity in the workplace is one of the first questions that people on

the spectrum ask companies. Therefore, inclusion matters.
No one wants to work somewhere where they feel undervalued. And, no

one should ever feel unworthy at work.
So, ensuring that your business has all the necessary policies when hiring
a neurodiverse applicant is vital to success, get in touch - we’d be happy
to help.
about the author
mark jones
senior inclusion & wellbeing manager emea at randstad uk
tags:
attracting & recruiting talent, diversity and inclusion, learning &
development, managing fulfilment at work
job seeker
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careers at Randstad
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Randstad Solutions Limited, is a limited company registered in England and Wales with registered number
02389033.
Our registered office is at 450 Capability Green. Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 3LU.
RANDSTAD, HUMAN FORWARD and SHAPING THE WORLD OF WORK are registered trademarks of
Randstad N.V.
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28/03/2022, 12:16 The Importance of Acknowledging Neurodiversity in the Workplace | Randstad UK

diversity & inclusion

the importance of acknowledging

more D&I insights for employers

To answer that question it's important to understand what exactly

This article will act as a guide to everything related to workplace

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Therefore, when it comes to offering supportive working environments

Seeing that one in seven people in the UK is neurodivergent means

But, how can your business embrace neurodiversity in the workplace?

Embracing neurodivergence as a superpower

1. Highlight Your neurodivergent employees

2. Open your doors to neurodivergent employees

help instil trust with colleagues and employees.

Listening to your neurodiverse employees should be a top priority.

5. Consider legal obligations

In terms of the legal aspects of fostering a good workplace for

Because most employees may overlook certain achievements like

Therefore, taking time to praise all individuals on the successes of their

7. Start a buddy system

Having neurodiverse mentors for other neurodiverse employees makes it

For example, some people might want to rapidly progress within an

Therefore, you should create various paths to success for neurodiverse

10. Invest in a positive work culture

Using social media to promote the amazing neurodiverse people at your

Reinventing neurodiversity in the workplace

There are a few other ways to nurture a healthy environment to ensure

Promoting a healthy work-life balance is a huge part of neurodiversity in

Showcasing self-care activities will inspire a positive atmosphere around

Creating the right workplace

Randstad is the world’s leading provider of HR services, offering a range of

Jobs that celebrate neurodiversity

Neurodiversity in the workplace is one of the first questions that people on

No one wants to work somewhere where they feel undervalued. And, no

about the author

temp worker benefits and policies

© Randstad N.V. 2021

terms & conditions

misconduct reporting procedure

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