How to support neurodivergent teammates

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• What’s on our mind: How to support neurodivergent teammates
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“Most people I meet don’t even try to get me.”

- Sam Gardener, Atypical

What does it mean to have an ‘atypical’ brain? Well, in simple terms, being neurodivergent means someone has a brain that’s wired differently to a ‘neurotypical’ brain - it’s atypical. But neurodivergent teammates shouldn’t be overlooked, just because they think differently to you. If you ask us, great minds don’t think alike.?

Neurodivergence can come in many shapes and forms and in varying degrees. Whether it’s Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Autism, or ADHD, you can find neurodiversity in every workplace. In fact, NHS Employers found that ‘as many as 1 in 7 workers are neurodivergent.’ And yet, ‘a significant number of businesses [are] failing to meet the needs of a wide range of staff.’ So what can we do about it?

It’s time to change our perspective. Having different types of brains on your team is an incredibly powerful advantage because you can tap into different ways of thinking.?

Forbes says ‘there is no single "right" way of thinking, learning or behaving,’ and we agree. A solution that works for one problem may be totally wrong for another, and seeing things from another’s perspective may be the answer.?

In Stockman’s Notes for Neuro Navigators, she explains that ‘a diagnosis is not a prediction. It doesn’t tell you what’s possible. It doesn’t change you [or] your colleague. It just opens up tricks and tools to thrive.’ By simply recognising that a teammate is neurodivergent, you unlock the first ‘tool’ for navigating how to work together effectively.

Going beyond recognition and instead, celebrating diversity? Now that’s the real secret weapon. By ‘leveraging the unique strengths that each individual brings to the table,’ (Springhealth) you can:

• Encourage teamwork and improve colleague relations
• Reach problem-solving quicker
• Increase team productivity and innovation
• Spark inspiration and creativity
• Make more staff members feel valued

So, now you’ve recognised it, what can you do to support neurodivergent team members?

• Listen closely: Neurodivergent people can often feel misunderstood or excluded. Ensure they know they’re being heard - and respected - by listening intently and offering them another chance to speak if they’re being overlooked in a loud group setting.
• Create a sensory-friendly working environment: Many neurodivergent individuals struggle with sensory stimuli. Consider adjusting office lighting by eliminating distracting, flickering lights or adding dimmer switches for employees to adjust to their liking. Create quiet zones for staff to relax or focus, and consider providing noise-cancelling headphones for those who want them.?
• Adaptability is key: Whilst it may not be possible in every workplace, if you can, offer flexible working for all team members. Allowing work-from-home arrangements and flexible hours are all measures that give employees more freedom to work in ways they thrive.?

Rome wasn’t built in a day. It takes time to create a working environment that suits everyone. But so long as you are acknowledging different teammates’ needs and making steps to assist where possible, you’re on the right road.?

For more information, visit our Insights page: www.hustlecrew.co/insights

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