neurodivergent

In today’s diverse workforce, it’s crucial for businesses to create an inclusive environment that supports the needs of all employees. Neurodivergent individuals, who have unique neurological differences, bring valuable perspectives and talents to the table. To help neurodivergent employees thrive and contribute their best, businesses should prioritize their well-being and provide the necessary support.

In a recent global survey of nearly 1,000 neurodivergent employees, we uncovered what it takes to optimize their work experience. Here are five ways businesses can create an optimal work environment for neurodivergent employees to thrive:

  1. Give employees the freedom and flexibility to work from home.

    Neurodivergent individuals often have different sensory needs and may find it challenging to focus in a traditional office setting. By offering the option to work remotely, businesses can create a comfortable and productive work environment. Remote work eliminates potential distractions and allows neurodivergent employees to structure their workday in a way that best suits their needs.

  2. Encourage people to take regular breaks throughout their workday.

    Extended periods of focused work can be mentally and physically draining for neurodivergent individuals. Heck, it can be draining for anyone. Encouraging regular breaks not only promotes well-being but also enhances productivity. Breaks offer the opportunity to recharge, process information, and regulate sensory input. Employers can educate employees about the importance of breaks and create designated spaces (for those coming into an office) or relaxation areas where employees can unwind and rejuvenate.

  3. Implement company-wide mental health and/or wellness days.

    Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, and it’s especially important to prioritize in the workplace. By implementing company-wide mental health and wellness days, businesses send a clear message of support to their neurodivergent employees. These dedicated days allow individuals to focus on self-care, engage in activities that promote mental well-being, and seek necessary support. Employers should actively encourage employees to utilize these days for a break from their routine and to prioritize self-care.

  4. Encourage employees to use all their allotted PTO, without repercussions.

    Neurodivergent employees may experience heightened stress or burnout due to the demands of their work and the challenges they face in navigating the neurotypical world. Encouraging the use of all allocated Paid Time Off (PTO) without any negative consequences fosters a culture that values work-life balance and self-care. Employers should communicate that taking time off is not only acceptable but also essential for maintaining optimal performance and well-being.

  5. Foster a culture of flexibility where people can work whenever they work best.

    Flexibility is key to creating an inclusive work environment for neurodivergent employees. Recognizing that individuals have different peak productivity times and work preferences allows employers to accommodate diverse needs. By providing flexible work schedules or options for personalized adjustments, businesses empower neurodivergent employees to work when they are most focused and productive, ultimately leading to better outcomes for both the individual and the organization. 

Looking for more neurodivergent resources? Check out 5 strengths neurodivergent employees bring to the workplace.

Hi. My name is Becca Chambers, and I am a neurodivergent executive. 

What does neurodivergent mean? It’s a big question, but at a high level, neurodiverse populations are those who have diverse thinking styles and have conditions like, but not limited to, ADHD (that’s me!), autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and other diagnoses related to the way people perceive and interact with the world. 

According to numerous studies, around 20% of the world is neurodiverse. Yes, that’s a lot of people. It’s also important to call out that many neurodivergent people go undiagnosed and live their lives experiencing difficulties with organizational skills, social perception, and social interactions. Up to 80% of those on the autism spectrum face unemployment. It’s not because neurodivergent lack something or are less capable. It’s because the world was built for the neurotypical majority. When held against those standards, neurodivergent people are set up to struggle. Despite advancements in acceptance of mental health, there remains a significant stigma around neurodiversity. I believe some of the responsibility falls on leaders across all industries to help break down this stigma. At my company Alludo, I’m doing my part to help the company embrace and lean into neurodiversity. I’m proud that Alludo is on the forefront of leading this revolution and breaking the stigma for good. How are we doing it? For starters, Alludo isn’t afraid to hire great talent that is born out of diverse backgrounds, locations, and thinking styles. Here, we believe that neurodiversity—that is, diversity of thought and perspective—is diversity. And we know that diversity begets innovation and accelerates progress. It breaks through plateaus and ruts, allowing organizations to go further, faster. 

Bringing your true self to work

As SVP of Brand and Communications and a person who is neurodivergent, I’ve yet to work with a leadership team like the team at Alludo. For the first time in my career, I can finally be my whole, neurodivergent self. It’s a gift I’ve never been given until now. I have always walked a tightrope of balancing my gifts with my perceived shortcomings, struggling to present as neurotypical. How can we bring our absolute best and innovative selves to work if our thinking style is not embraced? (Spoiler: we can’t.)

Leaning into neurodiversity  

At Alludo, I am empowered to lean into my neurodiversity. I don’t hide it. I embrace my whole self, and by doing so, I give people around me permission to embrace their whole selves—neurodivergent or not. Even though Alludo is at the leading edge of this revolution, we’re nowhere near done yet. We have a wonderful and challenging journey ahead of us. We’re starting with a newly launched Neurodiversity Employee Resource Group, a safe space for neurodivergent employees and allies to discuss, share, and educate each other on the challenges and opportunities associated with neurodiversity.  

Until this point, the world has missed out on an incalculable volume of creativity, inspiration, and innovation stemming from stigma around neurodiversity. Now that we’ve started to break down that stigma, the possibilities are endless. I’m excited about where we’re going. I finally feel true freedom (one of Alludo’s values) in my career and won’t settle for anything less. And I want that same feeling for every one of the 1 in 5 people around the world who don’t fit the neurotypical majority.