An effective workplace is a harmonious blend of generations, personalities, and people. In today’s business environment, an effective workplace also needs to include room for neurodiversity. Big companies like SAP, Microsoft, and Ford are starting to take notice of neurodiverse people for their businesses, according to Katie Johnston of the Boston Globe. So why do businesses need neurodiversity in their future?
Untapped Talent Pool
Running a business means having workers and staff that are ready and able to do day-to-day tasks. Most companies generally focus on neurotypical individuals for their workforce. What happens is that they end up overlooking the rich and untapped talent pool of neurodiverse workers. Roughly 80% to 90% of neurodiverse individuals are unemployed or underemployed around the world, according to David Kearon of Autism Speaks. Neurodiversity opens up a whole new untapped talent pool that can revitalize any workforce. Instead of waiting for a whole new batch of graduates that may have unrealistic expectations of the workforce, neurodiverse individuals are highly trainable and itching to work.
Adopting a Culture of Education and Compassion
Working with neurodiverse individuals can be challenging in the sense that there is no “one-size fits all” solution, according to Lucy Cousins of Tech Nation. The boon in working with neurodiverse individuals is that they help businesses understand where they may still be lacking from hiring processes to existing company policies regarding bullying and inclusivity. Other areas that neurodiversity will test are the sensory environments, career development, and employee relations. Taking on neurodiversity stimulates a growth process in any company that helps create a culture of better education and compassion. Both of which are important for businesses that wish to grow beyond the confines of their border and look into an international brand in their future.
Competitive Edge
Neurodiverse individuals see and think in ways that go beyond the scope of neurotypical individuals. For example, those on the autism spectrum have highly creative methods in sorting out tasks. They are also well-known for their systematic and methodical execution of processes. Another example is that 84% of dyslexic individuals possess above-average reasoning and patterns of thought, according to Made by Dyslexia. So neurodiverse individuals are able to bring and apply their out of the box approach to usual issues in the workplace and offer brand new solutions.
Overall Positive Impact
Businesses that adopt a neurodiversity policy experience a generally positive impact on their publicity and their bottom line. Hiring neurodivergent helps to cull the overall US unemployment rate by 3.8%, according to the University of Pennsylvania. An inclusive workforce promotes a reputation of inclusivity and diversity that highly appeals to discerning consumers. So businesses not only give back to their communities by providing more jobs but they also enjoy stronger support from their employees and clients.
Neurodiversity may have its share of challenges but the eventual progress they reap are surely worth it. Not only are the neurodivergent granted a safe, comfortable, and accepting workplace but businesses who make a suitable room get to benefit from their unique expertise. Companies that are able to embrace neurodiversity are certain to unlock a stronger future than their competitors.
