Levelling the playing field

When workplaces support neurodivergent employees, everyone benefits.

Accommodations designed to meet the needs of neurodivergent people, such as flexible schedules, quiet spaces, clear communication and specific feedback don’t just help one group of people. They promote a work environment that nurtures creativity, wellbeing and productivity.

🔹Flexible working🔹

Allowing varied working hours doesn’t just support neurodivergent people, it enables all employees to work at their best. When I started working for myself, one of the first things I did was arrange my diary in a way that suited me. I know the times of day when I find it easier to focus, so I schedule work that requires more concentration at those times. This has made a difference to my productivity.

🔹Quiet spaces🔹

Neurodivergent people who are sensitive to sensory stimuli may find it easier to work in quieter areas, but we all appreciate a calm environment from time to time, especially in open-plan offices which can often be noisy. Providing quiet areas for everyone can help people focus and boost productivity.

🔹Clear communication🔹

Structured and transparent communication reduces misunderstandings, improves teamwork and makes sure that people understand what is expected of them. It ensures everyone is clear about their role and responsibilities, and enables people to ask for clarification if they need it.

🔹Feedback🔹

People often want feedback from their manager, but if it is not specific or if it is delivered badly, it is useless. Providing feedback that is specific and uses concrete examples benefits everyone, not just neurodivergent people. It lets people know what they have done well and where there are areas for development. Clean feedback, for example, is particularly effective as it uses specific examples and is very clear about what has gone well and what hasn’t gone well.

Making adjustments doesn’t give preferential treatment to some people and not others. It levels the playing field and enables everyone to work at their best.