Neurodiversity at the workplace
A diverse workplace is a thriving place for creative resonance, problem-solving approaches, and innovative ideas. This diversity does not only come from different ethnicity, race, and color. You can also achieve this diversity by embracing neurodiversity in the workplace. Recruiting neurodivergent people at your organization not only gives them a chance to lead a normal, happy, and successful life but also brings fresh ideas and perspectives to your organization. Let us learn what neurodiversity at the workplace is and how you can embrace it in your organization.????
What is neurodiversity in the workplace?
Neurodiversity means people with different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences think, learn and react differently to information. People with the following conditions are commonly called neurodivergent;
In various corporate setups, neurodivergent people don’t react or behave as most people do. This could harm their chances of being hired and leading an everyday social life. Neurodiversity at the workplace is all about making them a part of the team. These differences significantly contribute to their high unemployment rate (30-40% ), although there’s no considerable difference in their skill sets.?
Neurodiversity in the workplace is all about bridging this gap and giving neurodivergent people equal opportunities. It is beneficial for a company to avail of these opportunities to them.???
The benefits of neurodivergent workers
Neurodivergent people bring several benefits to organizations. Some of these major benefits are as follows;???
Skilled professionals?
As the unemployment rate is very high in neurodivergent people, this gives a chance to companies to tap into the enormous potential of the group. Many industries like tech constantly face the lack of skilled people. When a company turns their attention to the neurodivergent group, they not only give them a chance for a better life but also brings fresh skilled, talented individuals to their company.
Diversity?
Neurodivergent people are often from different backgrounds and experiences, due to which they bring fresh perspectives to the table. Due to this unique perspective, they have unique solutions to common problems. This is great for an organization as they get new problem-solving individuals with different points of view.???
Productivity?
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Many neurodivergent people, like autistic people, are able to concentrate on work for longer hours. This hyperfocus allows them to make fewer mistakes while helping them to have increased productivity. In a world where we are constantly distracted by the buzzing of our phones and other devices, this is nothing less than a superpower.????
Corporate Social Responsibility?
By employing neurodivergent people in your organization, you fulfill your corporate social responsibility. Your organization builds a positive reputation by giving equal chances to neurodivergent people, and you also become a symbol of ethical practices in the business world.????
How can neurodiverse employees be welcomed at work??
As a company, if you want to embrace neurodiversity in the workplace, you must incorporate it in every aspect of the organization.?This means taking measures right from interviewing candidates to making them feel welcome at the workplace. Here are some measures you must take to make neurodiverse people welcome at work;
Hospitable Environment?
Neurodivergent people are different, and you must incorporate small changes to make them feel welcomed at the workplace. These small changes can be a more silent workplace, noise-blocking headphones, adjustable lighting, flexible working hours and no compulsion to turn on videos during video calls. These small changes allow them not to feel ‘different’ and don't exploit their uniqueness. These also allow them to fulfill their responsibilities efficiently.??
Training????????
Training your neurotypical employees on how to treat, behave and communicate with their neurodivergent colleagues also goes a long way. Embracing neurodivergent people in the work environment is still a new concept; your employees might say and do something that might not align with what you are trying to achieve here. But when you train them, you reduce the chances of this happening considerably.?
Clear communication?
Neurodivergent people may not be very receptive and responsive to innuendoes, inside jokes, and irony, so you must incorporate a clear communication culture. This must be in all forms of communication, from one-on-one verbal communication to company memos. Managers need to take care of this as they are the ones most likely to give direct orders to them.?
Conclusion?
Neurodivergent people can be an asset to a company. They bring new ideas, fresh perspectives, and increased productivity to an organization. The key is to make them feel welcomed by making small changes and incorporating an all-inclusive work environment. Even though these changes don't require much effort from the company, the positives they bring are worthwhile and long-term.