October 8, 2024 4 Min Read
Webinar Recap: Supporting Neurodiversity In The Workplace
Embracing neurodiversity in the workplace is the acceptance that variations in the human brain (regarding sociability, learning, attention, mood, and other mental functions) are normal and acceptable. Accommodating neurodiversity can lead to innovation, productivity, and a healthy workplace culture. Gain insights and strategies to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for neurodiverse employees in the clips below, featuring coaches Tara O’Brien, Teresa Muller, and Amanda Crooks.
Understanding Neurodiversity
The first action to embodying an inclusive workplace is truly understanding what neurodiversity means. While the term has become more widely used in recent years, it has quite a long history and important context. Learn more about what neurodiversity encompasses and its many benefits with Coach Teresa.
Key takeaways:
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According to Coach Teresa, neurodivergent team members may tend to take on more tasks, as it can be easier to do something your own way than explain the process to get there. As such, leaders need to be aware of this and encourage rest and pace to avoid burnout.
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Sensory and social challenges are common among neurodivergent staff and can impact the experience, comfort, and safety of a work environment.
- Support and understanding are critical in the workplace so neurodivergent team members have the ability to advocate for their needs without fear of judgment or repercussion.
Creating An Inclusive Environment
Inclusivity starts with leadership. Says Coach Teresa, “A leader gives permission to other people.” The behaviors and actions you model, communicate, and commit to will influence your workforce. Learn techniques to create a neurodiverse-friendly workplace with Coach Teresa below.
Key takeaways:
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Accommodation is a two-way street; leaders need to create the conditions for staff to advocate for the support they need.
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Inclusivity means that everyone’s voice is valid and people are given the space to communicate.
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“I don’t know what I don’t know” can be a helpful mantra to incorporate genuine curiosity and a willingness to learn.
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Embracing neurodiversity can help you understand what jobs/tasks staff should actually be doing.
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Sensory-friendly, respectful, and progressive environments are critical and beneficial to your entire workforce.
Implementing Accommodations & Support
Accommodations are not a one-size-fits-all process. “When we incorporate the needs of the neurodivergent, we are going to make things better for everyone around us” says Coach Tara. Learn how to move from ideas and theory to action below.
Key takeaways:
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Accommodations improve the productivity of everyone and “expand the limit of what is possible,” shares Coach Tara. For example, ensuring clarity and aligning expectations in meetings not only benefits neurodivergent staff but all team members.
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Creative solutions and a mindset shift are both required for staff and leadership to create a culture of openness and inclusivity.
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Because neurodiversity is often an invisible disability, learning how to be a human-centered leader is critical.
Training & Educating Staff
Supporting a diverse workforce requires a shift in mindset and culture. Lead with empathy and prioritize effective communication by implementing the ideas from Coach Tara below.
Key takeaways:
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Create a culture where people can be authentic, share their stories, and feel as though accommodations don’t label them as different.
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Educating staff goes beyond training; the change happens in the action(s) of addressing disparities, and the sustained action of implementing training every day.
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It’s critical to ensure that any training(s) offered to your team are offered to leadership first.
Leveraging Neurodiversity For Innovation
Coach Amanda sheds light on the business case for having a neurodiverse team, such as boosting workplace creativity and innovation. This can help your organization elevate in creating, improving, and finding new ways to do things.
Key takeaways:
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Neurodivergent team members can help inspire a growth mindset to problems or issues.
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Attention to detail, pattern recognition, creative problem-solving, adaptability, and focus are just a few of the unique strengths of neurodiverse team members.
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Leaders can set their team up for success with the process and structure around policies and accommodations.
Ready to transform your workplace to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for neurodiverse employees? Connect with a Coach 1:1 to create a strategy specific to your work context beneficial all staff.
Webinar recorded June 2024