In today’s corporate landscape, diversity and inclusion are increasingly prioritised, yet one crucial aspect often remains overlooked — neurodiversity. Neurodivergent individuals, such as those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, represent around 15-20% of the population in Ireland. For businesses, the question is not only about hiring neurodivergent individuals but about creating an environment where they feel confident enough to be themselves and reach their full potential. Supporting neurodiverse employees is more than a moral imperative; it’s a legal requirement and also a competitive strategy for attracting and retaining a broad range of talent.
To make sure the business is able to offer these adaptations, companies should provide multiple channels or options for employees to make a disclosure in an easy, safe, and authentically credible way. There should be multiple opportunities in an individual’s career to make such disclosures, from the pre-employment phase, onboarding, through to annual health checks.
Being neurodivergent is an invisible disability and it requires accommodations, and these accommodations (which can be very easy and low cost) can support employees to thrive. When you embrace neurodiversity, you send a message to each and every person that thinking differently, working differently, and being yourself at work is valued and respected. This is beneficial for every person in the workplace.
Why supporting neurodiverse employees is essential
Creating a neurodiverse-friendly workplace starts with understanding and respect. It’s easy to arrange a neurodiversity training session or to talk about embracing differences, but fostering an environment where neurodivergent employees feel safe to disclose their needs requires action and commitment. Organisations can show their commitment by taking proactive steps to understand and accommodate these employees’ unique needs.
One way to demonstrate commitment is by leveraging available resources, such as the new ‘Work and Access’ programme in Ireland, that provides a 100% grant for a Workplace Needs Assessment. This support can help identify what accommodations will best support neurodivergent employees and show them that the company is prepared to listen, make adjustments, and help them perform at their best.
What does reasonable accommodation look like?
Reasonable accommodations can often be simple adjustments that have a significant impact. Here are some examples:
Jane, who has dyslexia, struggles with written tasks and spends extra time rereading emails to check for errors. A simple accommodation here could be writing assistance software, helping her complete tasks more efficiently and reducing the stress associated with written communication.
John, who has ADHD, excels in independent work but finds initiating new projects stressful. For John, support from his line manager in starting a new project, such as guidance on the first steps, helps him transition smoothly into the project and reach the independent stage where he thrives.
Louise, who is autistic, experiences anxiety when arriving at work and finding an unpredictable workspace. A designated desk each day eliminates this stress, allowing Louise to focus on her work without the distractions and anxieties caused by hot-desking or a noisy environment.
These examples show how small, low-cost adjustments can allow neurodivergent employees to work more comfortably and productively. Without accommodations, neurodivergent employees often ‘mask’ or pretend at work that they aren’t struggling or stressed. This masking can be exhausting, such that rates of anxiety, stress, absenteeism and job attrition are much higher amongst the neurodiverse compared to the neurotypical population.
The organisational and individual benefits of supporting neurodiversity
When an organisation genuinely embraces neurodiversity, the benefits extend beyond the neurodivergent employees themselves. By valuing different ways of thinking, the workplace becomes more inclusive and innovative. Studies have shown that neurodiverse teams can be up to 30% more productive than neurotypical teams in some areas. This potential for enhanced productivity, creativity, and problem-solving provides a compelling reason to prioritise neurodiversity.
Building a neurodiverse workforce also helps companies attract a wider range of customers, strengthens brand reputation, and aligns with socially responsible practices. By openly supporting neurodiversity, organisations show that they value inclusivity and progressive work practices, which can, in turn, attract more diverse talent across the board. In the long run, diverse teams with varied skill sets and ways of thinking drive innovation and resilience, setting up the organisation for long-term success.
Practical steps for employers to support neurodiverse employees
Foster a culture of openness and trust
Employees are more likely to disclose their needs when they feel supported and trust that their information will be handled sensitively. Leaders should champion neurodiversity openly and reinforce the company’s commitment to inclusion through actions, not just words.
Provide reasonable accommodations
Simple adjustments can significantly impact neurodivergent employees' productivity and well-being. Accommodations like flexible schedules, consistent workspaces, clear communication, and software tools are just as meaningful as adjustments made for any employee. Just as one employee might need to start ten minutes later for childcare, neurodivergent employees might need tailored work arrangements to perform at their best.
Ensure clear communication and defined expectations
Ambiguity in roles and expectations can create unnecessary challenges. Providing clear, direct guidelines and regular feedback can help all employees, including neurodivergent ones, understand their role, focus on their strengths, and excel in their responsibilities.
Implement inclusive hiring practices
Traditional hiring processes can be difficult for neurodivergent candidates to navigate, and they may not highlight their strengths. Offering work trials, conducting skills-based assessments, and providing interview support can help neurodivergent candidates showcase their abilities effectively.
Educate and train staff on neurodiversity
A well-informed workforce is critical to creating a truly inclusive workplace. Training managers and employees on neurodiversity, sensitivity, and communication strategies can improve understanding, reduce stigma, and empower teams to support their neurodivergent colleagues.
Leverage initiatives like Ireland’s ‘Work and Access’ programme
Initiatives such as the ‘Work and Access’ programme provide training, in-work supports, and pre-employment support for neurodivergent individuals while helping organisations create more inclusive workplaces in a cost-effective way.
Building a diverse workforce for the future
Embracing neurodiversity sends a message that thinking differently, working differently, and being yourself at work is valued and respected. This approach benefits all employees by creating a culture where diversity is embraced as a source of strength and innovation. By viewing neurodivergent skills through a lens of positivity and inclusivity, organisations can acknowledge that different abilities and strengths bring value to the workplace and remove any stigma associated with neurodivergence.
Next steps
If you’re interested in learning more about creating a more inclusive workplace, please get in touch using the details below. Together, we can explore ways to make your organisation more inclusive, innovative, and competitive.
Embrace neurodiversity and unlock the full potential of your workforce.
For further information, please visit our page on Neurodiversity supports: https://communications.lockton.com/neurodiversity_supports_ireland (opens a new window)
Disclaimer: The above article covers services that are unregulated activities and, as such, are not regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
