There is a ton of potential in workplace neurodiversity. Neuro-inclusion is rapidly growing as businesses large and small begin to see the benefits of hiring people with epilepsy, ADHD, and autism. Companies such as Microsoft, JP Morgan, and SAP offer excellent neurodiverse work initiatives to attract and include employees from a wide range of backgrounds. From boosting innovation to enhancing hiring practices, here are some ways neuro workers can help you.
Accommodations and Support
Some employers shy away from hiring neurodiverse workers in the false belief that they may have to make big changes to accommodate them. However, in most cases, this just isn’t true. Sure, an autistic worker could benefit from certain changes. But nothing would mean a major disruption. However, offering services for adult autism therapy would make employees with other conditions feel more comfortable and open to discussing issues like anxiety, for example.
Innovation and Workplace Neurodiversity
Most companies could probably do with more neuro workers in better positions. A UK survey found that, shockingly, only 31% of autistic adults are employed. But there are many benefits to hiring someone who thinks a little differently, especially when it comes to workplace innovation:
- Many neurodiverse people develop specialist knowledge of certain subjects.
- People with ADHD or dyslexia often exhibit excellent skills for thinking outside the box.
- An inclusive workplace enables teams to work effectively via a range of thinking.
Obsessive learning is a common trait among autism patients and can be a huge advantage. Out-of-the-box thinking is what most companies need today to stay competitive. However, a lack of inclusion risks any company team developing tunnel vision without considering other views.
Fostering Open Communication
A lot of workers are somewhat scared to raise personal issues in the workplace. However, hiring neurodiverse employees sends a big positive message. It lets others know your company is open to discussing certain issues and conditions that others won’t. This is an excellent way to attract a wide range of diverse hires with multiple skills for contributing to projects. It also makes the statement that you and your company are willing to help, listen, and learn from others.
Focus and Attention to Detail
It’s easy to get lost in stereotypes when discussing neurodivergence conditions. Just like everyone else, workers with conditions such as epilepsy, ADHD, and autism are different and have a wide range of skills and challenges in life. However, there is a case to be made for the neurodivergent way of thinking, which offers specific benefits common to certain conditions. One of the most beneficial and common is hyperfocus, resulting in unrivalled business productivity.
Workplace Neurodiversity Analytical Skills
Many people with certain neuro issues present a different way of thinking, working, and applying knowledge. In fact, a study by JP Morgan found that autistic employees are up to 140% more productive in analytical tasks. Of course, not every neuro worker has this, and it has become something of a stereotype. However, there are common traits among neurodiverse employees:
- Seeing trends and patterns that most people would otherwise miss.
- Detail-oriented thinking that notices small details with improved accuracy.
- A structured way of thinking that approaches problems in a logical order.
- Out-of-the-box thinking that results in creative solutions to more complex issues.
- Deep analysis of problems with intense concentration through hyperfocus.
- High-level analysis skills that break down data for improved insights and efficiency.
- An understanding of how different processes connect through systems thinking.
- High memory recall allows the effective retention and application of knowledge.
Approaches to Problem-Solving
Traits such as hyperfocus and obsessive learning allow some workers with a neuro condition to become something of an expert on certain things. This also helps develop specific skills related to logic and problem-solving. Problem-solving is one of the most sought-after soft skills these days, and many neuropeople are highly skilled in this. It is believed that certain conditions cause the brain to work differently, allowing neurodivergent people to see things a little differently.
Insights into Diverse Perspectives
Because the brain of a neuro worker might work a little differently, it can be a massive advantage. Rather than a consensus way of thinking and agreeing on things, a neuro-worker could add value to an otherwise one-way point of view. They can offer insights into developments that neurotypical workers just haven’t thought about. This could relate to office overall conditions, managing public relations, and how internal teams approach projects.
Inclusive Hiring through Workplace Neurodiversity
Inclusion is a must for any modern company. Of course, any worker should be hired on merit. But you should also be willing to see the merit of interviewing neuro workers when recruiting. Many of the world’s largest companies see the value of neuro workers, such as the following:
- Microsoft has an autism hiring program to attract neurodivergent people to tech roles.
- SAP’s Autism at Work program aims to leverage strengths for data analysis and testing.
- JP Morgan reports that neurodivergent workers are 48% more productive in some roles.
The tech sector is inviting neuro workers as it relies heavily on data processing and repetition. This is demonstrated in roles that require process and testing, such as software development. Of course, these kinds of skills can be beneficial for almost anything in a range of sectors.
Improved Employee Engagement
There is a lot of talk about engagement with customers, and this is a major part of modern business. But what about employees? They are just as critical as any customer would ever be, if not more. All too often, an employee leaves a company because they aren’t noticed, respected, or even challenged enough. By including neurodivergent workers in the decision-making process and critical projects, you send a message to all employees that they will be noticed.
Summary
Making accommodations for neuro workers helps promote workplace neurodiversity and overall inclusion. Neuro workers benefit from many roles, as some offer enhanced analytical skills because of their different ways of thinking. Of course, your company can boost overall employee engagement by including neuro workers and sending the message that everyone is welcome.