Embracing neurodiversity in the workplace: A framework for HR leaders

In today's society, it's essential to understand and appreciate the concept of neurodiversity, which defines the variability of human brains and how they process information. Embracing neurodiversity includes celebrating everyone’s differences, partly because diverse perspectives lead to innovative solutions and increased productivity. By creating an inclusive environment that values neurodiversity, we can empower all individuals to reach their full potential.

Here are three ways you can embrace neurodiversity within your organization.

1. Help your employees understand neurodiversity.

Approximately 15% of the population is neurodivergent, experiencing conditions such as ADHD, dyslexia or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Neurodivergent employees may experience the workplace in unique ways, creating distinct challenges. 

Employers can create a more inclusive and supportive environment by recognizing and accommodating their unique needs. Having neurodivergent employees in the workforce can bring diverse skills and perspectives while benefiting the entire team.

Training specific to neurodiversity inclusion can help employees reframe the definition of intelligence, empathetically connect with each other and tap into the specific strengths of the neurodivergent population. 

2. Create an inclusive environment.

Creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace is crucial for every company for many reasons, including nurturing neurodivergent employees. One way to be inclusive is by providing accommodations and support for neurodivergent employees. Accommodations can include flexible work hours, noise-canceling headphones, quiet workspaces and cameras-off Zoom meetings. Educating employees on neurodiversity, including communication and learning styles, can also help support neurodivergent employees. 

3. Prioritize hiring + onboarding neurodivergent employees.

Recruiting and hiring neurodivergent candidates can be a great way to bring new perspectives and ideas to a team. However, it's essential to approach the process with sensitivity and understanding. Consider adjusting your recruitment and interview processes to accommodate neurodivergent candidates. Once hired, successful onboarding and integration into the team can be facilitated in part by assigning a mentor or buddy, providing clear expectations and goals, and offering ongoing support and accommodations. By taking these steps, employers can create a more inclusive workplace and benefit from the unique strengths of neurodivergent individuals.

Everyone benefits from proactively supporting + developing neurodivergent employees.

Embracing neurodiversity in the workplace is the right thing and it makes good business sense. When supporting and nurturing neurodivergent employees, organizations tap into a wider talent pool and increase innovation and creativity. Additionally, offering inclusive career development and advancement opportunities helps ensure that all employees, including the neurodivergent, have the chance to grow and succeed.

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Prioritize your people. Recognize the impact.

Employees want their companies to see them as whole people. That’s why impactful learning and DEI programs are proven to boost retention (and make recruitment easier).

Electives helps you create meaningful learning impact. Our enterprise live learning platform offers the perfect mix of quality, quantity and diversity of content, instructors and experiences to meet your unique learning needs.

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