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Why Neurodiversity Should Be on Your Company’s Agenda

Following Covid and amidst the Great Resignation, finding the right talent at the right time is more essential than ever. Diversity and inclusion (D&I) are no longer simply buzzwords or boxes to check; they are integral in building innovative, driven, and engaged workforces.

Following Covid and amidst the Great Resignation, finding the right talent at the right time is more essential than ever. Diversity and inclusion (D&I) are no longer simply buzzwords or boxes to check; they are integral in building innovative, driven, and engaged workforces. And every successful company’s D&I policy must focus on neurodivergent talent. This talent enriches organisations by bringing new perspectives and unique strengths. Let’s explore the benefits of neurodiversity and how your company can attract and retain this essential talent.

What is neurodiversity?

The term neurodiversity combines ‘neurological’ and ‘diversity’. The term refers to the fact that all our brains are unique, and it shines a light on the more distinct differences in brain function experienced by those with neurological differences. Neurodiversity now covers conditions such as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), autism, developmental speech disorders, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Tourette syndrome and, increasingly, mental health conditions.

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The benefits of neurodiversity

While we must avoid labelling or stereotypes, strengths are associated with each neurological difference. Specific neurological differences are associated with the following:

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  • Thinking differently — Innovative and creative due to thinking differently.
  • Sustained focus — Able to focus for long periods and remain focused on repetitive tasks.
  • Pattern recognition — Systematic thinkers who can identify irregularities and find essential information.
  • Problem-solving — Detail-driven thinking combined with a unique perspective brings innovative solutions to problems.
  • Inclusive — Accepting others’ differences.
  • Valuable talent — Within a suitable workplace, neurodivergent people are reliable, motivated, and engaged.

Each neurological difference has its unique strengths. For example, some potential strengths of autistic people are logical thinking and the ability to retain knowledge in great detail. People with ADHD will potentially have outstanding creative and problem-solving skills, and potential strengths among people with dyslexia include being resourceful and creative.

We dive deeper into the potential strengths and challenges amongst people with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia in our whitepaper, Navigating neurodiversity.


Making neurodiversity part of your D&I strategy

Neurodiversity remains one of the most challenging factors of diversity and inclusion, being nuanced and sometimes invisible. Many companies barely acknowledge it, leaving valuable talent losing out on opportunities and employers missing out on people that drive innovation. By breaking the mould, your organisation won’t just keep up with an ever-evolving market: you’ll stay ahead of the curve.

In 2021, it was reported that only 22% of autistic people were employed, despite a much higher percentage wanting to be at work. While beginning the journey to become a more supportive employer of neurodiverse talent could feel daunting; we have simple tips on what to consider to ensure your business is as inclusive and supportive as possible for all employees.

Attracting neurodiverse talent

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  • Look further afield

Engage with neurodiverse communities, groups, and organisations to tap into a wider talent pool. Reconsider your normal recruitment pathways to ensure they are accessible to as vast a pool of potential talent as possible.

  • Provide training

Sharing our Navigating Neurodiversity whitepaper can be an excellent first step in discussing common types of neurological differences and the strengths associated with each.

  • Don’t dismiss due to gaps

Neurodivergent people often deal with stigma and lack of support, leading to gaps in their education or work history. You’ll miss out on valuable talent by dismissing candidates because of this.

  • Use automated systems with caution

High-performing neurodivergent candidates often won’t ‘fit the mould’. Automated systems can exclude these candidates, narrowing your talent pool. Regularly audit these systems to avoid this.

Interviewing neurodivergent talent

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  • Be direct and clear

Ask direct questions and provide clear instructions on how to get to (if in person) or set up (if virtual) the interview. Clearly explain what candidates should expect from the process.

  • Create a calm environment

Whether in person or virtual, the interview should be carried out in a quiet space with no distractions.

  • Keep it small

Avoid large panels, as this can be overwhelming.

  • Be tolerant and supportive

Don’t judge on different body language, lack of eye contact or social style; everyone can be nervous during a job interview, and there are many different communication styles.

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Retaining neurodivergent talent

With one in seven people being neurodivergent, it is highly likely you already have neurodiverse talent within your organisation. Minor changes to work environments, recruitment processes and management training can significantly impact your company’s ability to recruit top talent and help your employees perform at their best. Making these adjustments for every employee – not just neurodivergent people – fosters an inclusive environment where individuals feel supported. By maintaining a person-centric approach, from attracting to onboarding and retaining neurodivergent talent, you will build a workforce ready to take on future challenges.

To learn more about neurodiversity and how to improve your internal practices and policies to attract more diverse talent, download our whitepaper, Navigating neurodiversity.


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