Neurodiversity in the Workplace

Why am I here?

Well, from a professional standpoint, I run THRIVE Neurodiversity, a consultancy providing executive coaching for neurodivergent leaders as well as guidance and support to workplaces who want to unlock their neurodivergent talent. 

But really and truly, I'm here because supporting neurodivergent individuals who are struggling in neurotypical workplaces is what gets me out of bed each day and keeps me passionate about work. I’ve also spent most of my working life struggling with my own neurodivergence, riding the familiar wave of exceptional work performance to the crashes of neurodivergent burnout reality.  

Neurodiversity has been at the forefront of my life since my university days where it was identified that I had Dyslexia, but to be diagnosed with additional neurodivergences in my early 40s was life changing, it explained and validated everything that I had been experiencing and feeling for decades.

Prior to THRIVE I spent over 20 years in HR and coaching and witnessed the struggle of neurodivergent employees trying to fit into the neurotypical workplace. I know it can be isolating, soul destroying, and impact so many other areas of life - not just the workplace. I know because I saw and felt it too. 

Finally understanding that I was now triple neurodivergent meant that I needed to find a different way to survive the workplace and my career according to the way my brain was wired. For me that meant working for myself. I'd run a successful HR Consultancy In my 20s so I knew I had it in me to do it again… but perhaps at a slightly slower pace 2nd time around in my 40’s! Not to mention my ADHD brain that jumped at the challenge of being in an entrepreneurial zone again—definitely my forte.

This all sounds very bright and breezy, fear not, it wasn't that simple. There were plenty of vulnerable moments too: struggle, self doubt, exhaustion, tears. Personally, I believe it's important to look forward and keep going. One of the beauties of the neurodivergent brain: resilience. That or my ADHD brain has helped me wipe those moments from the memory bank. I’m not sure it matters. 

Back to the work in hand… 

What is neurodiversity? 

Neurodiversity describes the wide range of ways the brain functions and the many ways human brains differ from each other. Most people's brains work and process information similarly to each other, this is known as being neurotypical. There are also people who have brains and systems that process information differently. This type of brain function is known as neurodivergent.

As many as 1 in 7 people are neurodivergent, however, in many areas of society, neurodivergence is considered rare and something that does not require a society-level response. This attitude perpetuates inaccessibility and limits opportunities for neurodivergent individuals who deserve to thrive and, on top of that, have much to offer. Society would undoubtedly benefit from embracing its neurodivergent peers and offering them positions of influence. The working world is a great place to start.

Embracing trends

Currently, the majority of workplaces are structured exclusively for the neurotypical, linear thinker. But change is happening. Neurodiversity in the workplace is a growing trend that businesses are beginning to recognize and embrace. Companies are realizing the untapped potential and innovative thinking that neurodivergent individuals bring to the table. From tech giants to small businesses, the need to foster inclusive workplaces is becoming increasingly evident. 

However, it’s important to address that neurodiversity shouldn't just be a trend, or just the right thing to do, it should become simply the way we do things around here. A similar trend was noted around 10 years ago when mental health and wellbeing was the trending topic. Today, mental wellness practices are prevalent in most workplaces.  

Unlocking benefits

Neurodivergent individuals offer unique perspectives, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to think outside the box. Your laptop, your mobile phone and the car you drive were all made by innovative and creative neurodivergent talent. Talents that workplaces are coming to realize the significant advantages of having a neurodiverse workforce, including enhanced problem-solving capabilities, increased creativity, improved productivity, and a more dynamic organizational culture. 

Navigating challenges

Though the workplace is evolving, challenges remain, in this article series, we'll candidly address potential obstacles neurodivergent individuals may encounter, from interview biases to difficulties in communication and social interactions. By providing practical tips and resources, we aim to empower neurodivergent individuals to overcome these challenges and thrive professionally. 

Your questions answered

As this column appears monthly, we encourage you to send in your questions related to neurodiversity in the workplace. Each month, we will select and answer a variety of your queries, addressing concerns, providing guidance, and offering practical advice. Your participation is vital in fostering an engaging and inclusive community where we can learn from one another's experiences.