Diverse perspectives
Life would be a lot less interesting if we all thought the same way, and one of the advantages of embracing neurodiversity at work is the introduction of varied perspectives to our day-to-day.
Being neurodiverse means having neurological differences in how your brain functions and how it processes information, meaning it varies from the ‘neurotypical’ brain. This difference in functioning is why many neurodivergent people possess unique ways of thinking and problem-solving. They may see patterns others miss, or think laterally about tasks, bringing a fresh perspective to tackling new challenges – and leaving your teams better equipped to resolve complex problems.
Business innovation
It’s no accident that companies which actively champion neurodiversity often find themselves at the forefront of innovation. Businesses like Amazon, Facebook and Microsoft, for example, have all been advocates for the power of neurodiversity in their leadership, and their wider teams.
It’s easy to see why. New ways of thinking are likely to lead to new, innovative solutions to a business’ challenges. Welcoming different cognitive styles into the mix creates an environment where creativity can thrive, giving your business the ability to adapt and excel in an ever-changing business landscape.
Increased productivity
The impacts of supporting your neurodiverse employees extend far beyond the individual: they’re team-wide, too.
When a business invests time getting to know everyone’s unique strengths and abilities, teams will see a boost to their overall productivity. By assigning tasks and responsibilities which align with a person’s strength, you ensure everyone can contribute meaningfully – and make the greatest impact. Increasing efficiency and fostering a supportive, inclusive work environment that’s more rewarding for everyone.
Enhanced employee engagement
When we spend up to a third of our life at work, feeling like we belong is important. Not just for morale, but for employee retention, too.
Small acts add up. Such as making sure people feel valued for their contributions, and giving them the right support and accomodations they need to thrive. In fact, any opportunity you take to openly embrace your neurodiverse talent will send a powerful message to employees about inclusion. They’ll be more likely to feel motivated, committed and invested in your business’ success.
Embracing neurodiversity in your workplace isn’t just the right thing to do. It’s a smart and strategic business decision.
It drives innovation, enhances productivity and increases creativity, as well as improving workplace culture and making your business more attractive to current and prospective talent. Not to mention the benefits for your customers. Supporting your neurodiverse employees is key to unlocking greater success.
