According to NHS Health Education England, one in seven people in the UK are neurodivergent (ND). Neurodiversity refers to the unique ways that individuals’ brains process information, and neurodiversity in the workplace means that working environments are made up of many unique traits and talents.
Imagine this scenario on a broader scale — across industries and sectors. How many individuals with neurodiverse traits are overlooked or underutilised simply because the workplace struggles to accommodate their specific needs? Many companies find it challenging to provide neurodiversity employee support and create truly inclusive environments. What’s the solution?
In the pursuit of creating neurodiverse workplaces, companies have started turning to specialised consultancies for guidance. But why the sudden surge in demand? What drives companies to seek out expertise in neurodiversity employee support?
Onebright explores this issue and looks into why more companies recognise the value of using consultancies to help manage neurodiversity in the workplace.
Challenges facing neurodiverse individuals
Neurodiverse individuals may face multiple challenges at work. For example, a company may employ a talented employee with exceptional attention to detail and pattern recognition skills yet struggle with social interactions in the office. They may avoid team meetings or find it challenging to navigate office politics.
Other challenges facing neurodiverse individuals may include:
- Sensory sensitivities
- Executive functioning challenges
- Communication differences
- Attention and focus issues
- Anxiety and stress
- Task flexibility and adaptability
- Perception and misinterpretation
Without the right support, employees may find it difficult to manage their daily tasks and operate to the best of their ability and the company will miss out on their valuable contributions.
Recognising and accommodating these differences in the workplace is a moral requirement, but it also benefits the company itself. Making suitable adjustments improves productivity, which is a strategic advantage for businesses. In what ways?
How neurodiversity drives innovation and growth
Companies that embrace and make adjustments for neurodiversity in the workplace experience many benefits such as:
- A more diverse talent pool
- Enhanced creativity
- Improved problem-solving capabilities
- Increased innovation.
Research conducted by Harvard Business Review found that organisations with diverse workforces are 45 per cent more likely to report growth in market share over the previous year. These statistics highlight that neurodiverse individuals who feel supported are more likely to remain in employment and be loyal, reducing turnover costs and enhancing productivity. However, the question remains: How can companies truly support these individuals?
Supporting neurodiverse individuals in the workplace
Effectively supporting neurodiverse individuals requires more than just good intentions. It needs:
- Specialised knowledge
- Training
- Individualised support plans
- Education and awareness training
- Accessible resources and tools
- Flexible work arrangements
- Ongoing support and advocacy
- Inclusive recruitment practices
This is where consultancies specialising in neurodiversity employee support offer a valuable solution. These consultancies offer expertise in understanding the needs of neurodiverse individuals, providing guidance on inclusive hiring practices, workplace accommodations, training for managers and colleagues, and ongoing support programs.
Benefits of using consultancies in creating the right environment for neurodiversity in the workplace
Consultancies often work closely with companies to offer help and suggestions on ways to create environments where neurodiverse employees can thrive.
Consultancies serve as valuable allies in navigating the complexities of neurodiversity support within the corporate environment. Consultancies such as Onebright can help with:
- Autism and ADHD assessments
- Therapy sessions
- Awareness training/ND training for colleagues and managers
Consultancies play a pivotal role in facilitating sustainable change and maintaining a culture of diversity and inclusion within organisations.
As companies continue to recognise the value of diversity in driving innovation and success, the demand for consultants specialising in neurodiversity support is expected to grow.
By seeking the expertise of consultancies such as Onebright specialising in neurodiversity employee support, companies can create inclusive environments where everyone feels valued and supported.
Onebright offers support and help to neurodiverse individuals and those experiencing mental health challenges, as well as businesses seeking to find ways to support neurodiverse individuals.
- Company:
- Onebright
- Company Website:
- https://onebright.com/
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