Neurodiversity in the workplace has become a significant element that helps businesses support people with Autism, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), Tourette’s, Dyslexia, and a range of other neurodiverse conditions. Lately, the business world has transformed, and neurodiversity has emerged as a prominent concept in the modern workplace.
Per the research from Deloitte, teams with neurodivergent professionals in some specific roles can be 30% more productive than those without them. In the past few years, companies have shown better intent to provide a better environment where employees can not only work but engage as well. In the quest to achieve that, businesses are choosing flexible office space over traditional setups.
Businesses from almost every vertical are now keen to switch from conventional setups to achieve operational efficiency along with employee satisfaction and well-being. Knowingly or unknowingly, they contribute to the cause by embracing neurodiverse perspectives in an environment where everyone’s contributions are valued. A workplace where diversity and inclusion are admired will likely promote and allow neurodiverse people to thrive.
Moving further in this blog, we will understand the importance of neurodiversity in the workplace for new-age businesses and the ways to achieve that.
Importance of Neurodiversity in the Workplace
With the evolution of flexible and managed office spaces, businesses can support an inclusive environment that supports neurodiversity in the workplace. Coming back to the focal point, let’s understand why neurodiversity is a distinguished factor for companies.
- Increased Creativity and Better Problem-Solving:
Embracing neurodiversity gives businesses a unique edge when it comes to innovation, creativity, and problem-solving. Neurodiverse individuals often take a different approach to solving problems by bringing in new ideas and contexts. Emerging as a big business solution, creating an environment where neurodivergent professionals can empower new-age businesses with innovative point-of-views and imaginative solutions.
- Diverse Skill Sets:
A diverse range of skills contributes to a well-rounded and versatile team. Neurodiverse individuals possess specialised skills that allow them to excel at certain tasks that others may struggle with. Their skills are highly valuable in areas, such as attention to detail, pattern recognition, mathematical calculations, and exceptional memory.
- Improved Team Dynamics:
Diversity and inclusion (D&I) are two different yet interconnected concepts that positively impact the performance of the workforce. Similarly, neurodiversity brings a broader range of skills and experiences that ultimately help organisations achieve predetermined goals and objectives. Diversifying the workforce can help to fill skill gaps and enhance the overall performance of the team.
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Fostering neurodiversity in the workplace ensures a socially responsible approach and brings other benefits to organisations, including enhanced company reputation, promoting a culture of empathy, employee retention, and legal and ethical considerations.
How can Businesses Represent Neurodiversity in the Workplace?
To implement neurodiversity within the organisation, businesses need to promote the idea and vision behind this approach across all levels of management. By modifying the hiring strategies, educating the workforce, offering accommodations for neurodiverse professionals, and ensuring further assistance, businesses can nurture an inclusive environment. Some other ways to represent neurodiversity in the workplace are:
- Flexible and Managed Workspaces:
Believe it or not, flexible and managed office space have revolutionised the Indian CRE segment by creating an ideal environment to work and thrive. Shifting from traditional to flexible workspaces is significant to represent neurodiversity in the workplace. These agile and adaptable workspaces empower businesses by providing the freedom to choose and customise the layout and design of their workspaces. With this, companies can alter their approaches and create an environment that suits the preferences and needs of different people.
- Soothing Colour Palettes:
Soothing colour palettes can play a vital role in supporting and representing neurodiversity in the workplace. The design choices can create a more inclusive environment, considering the sensory preferences and sensitivities of neurodiverse individuals. With soothing colour palettes and adjustable lighting, companies can encourage calming effects, reduce sensory overload, and incorporate natural elements to create a neurodiverse-friendly environment.
- Breakout Zones for Breaks:
Breakout zones and soft seating areas provide opportunities for social interaction and relaxation, allowing neurodiverse professionals to avoid overstimulation. Also, designating specific breakout areas such as snooze rooms and phone booths helps employees retreat. On top of that, with sound-absorbing materials, soft furnishings, and predictable patterns, managed office space strengthen businesses to create an inclusive and diverse workforce.
Hence, by embracing neurodiversity in the workplace, companies not only gain a competitive edge but also ensure that no individual feels excluded or discriminated against due to neurological differences. By taking constructive measures to recognise and respect the unique perspective of all its employees, companies enable their workforce to perform at their best.
