Neurodiversity Awareness in your Workplace

Does your Company culture encourage openness, and allow employees to comfortably speak about their neurodiversity?

A poll conducted by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) on LinkedIn found that more than two-thirds of neurodiverse employees have not told their employer about their condition. Fewer than a third also said that they would declare it on a job application.

Neurodiversity covers a range of conditions such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia or dyspraxia and can have an effect on how an employee works. It is essential that you are aware of any neurodiverse conditions that your employees may have so you can provide support. This includes meeting your legal obligations such as providing reasonable adjustments where practicable. Your employees will only inform you of their conditions if your Company culture is open and supportive to allow them to do so, which is why it is essential that you build the desired culture.

This culture is built when your team has an understanding and awareness of neurodiversity and its effects. This can be achieved through training for your managers, or celebration of awareness days, such as World Autism Awareness Day on the 2nd April 2024 or Neurodiversity Awareness Week from the 18th-24th March 2024.