People experience the world in countless ways, and neurodiversity speaks to this beautiful variety, capturing the importance of respecting and giving a voice to all these valuable perspectives. It is a natural form of diversity you’ll find in the streets and suburbs, and it’s one that should be welcomed into the workplace if you want to create an environment that inspires innovation and creativity. 

Let’s take a closer look at the importance of neurodiversity, exploring seven benefits of inclusion and neurodiversity in the modern workplace.

1. Better Personal Health Management

The average person may push through health challenges to carry on working. Long-term, this can lead to workers requiring extended periods off sick because of physical and mental injuries through lack of self-care. 

A neurodiverse person with a managed condition, however, is much more likely to be aware of challenges they may face, and accommodations they may need, simply through experience. Although this may feel like more effort for a company to put in at first for the average hire, it often means the person can be more vocal, self-managed and responsible about their needs. In turn, this keeps them healthier, stronger, and able to attend work for a higher percentage of time year-on-year. 

2. A Competitive Advantage 

Studies have shown that neurodivergent workers often have higher-than-average abilities in certain areas. This can include a wide range of talents, such as the ability to recognize patterns, being excellent at math, or being creatively exceptional. Companies who want to build a neuro-inclusive culture can gain from a huge talent pool of overlooked individuals who are likely to be massive assets for your company. 

3. Better Productivity 

Studies tell us that a neurodivergent team is 30% more productive than the average team of neurotypical people. With a neuro-inclusive approach to hiring, your business can reach goals faster, grow stronger, and see enhanced profits over time. 

4. Exceptional Creativity

A neurodivergent person’s brain works differently to a typical brain, so it’s no surprise that a key benefit of hiring neurodivergent people is exceptional creativity. You can generally expect more ‘out of the box’ ideas for projects that require innovation. Studies tell us neurodivergent people approach tasks and problem-solving differently, leading to a more diverse range of options to consider for project progression. 

5. Enhanced Conditions For All

A neuro-inclusive workplace may include a range of accommodations to ensure everyone can work to the best of their ability. Better signage, diverse workstation options, flexible scheduling, controlled sensory surroundings, and clearer instructions are some examples of these accommodations. The fact is, these accommodations will benefit other workers too. They ensure better productivity and safety for everyone.

6. Higher Levels Of Empathy

Stereotypes may paint certain neurodiverse profiles as lacking in empathy and compassion. Contrary to these stereotypes, neurodivergent people often have better than average levels of empathy and compassion.

This is because they need to navigate and understand how others think and express themselves in order to effectively connect and communicate, even when their own way of communicating differs significantly. 

Within a team, and especially in customer service positions, this can be of incredible benefit to the business. 

7. Enough Energy For Everyone

Employees with ADHD may bring energy and unique perspectives to their work, making them impressive contributors to difficult projects and fast-paced environments. When managed well, the condition can help them thrive where others may struggle. Of course, this is something to be supported and safely worked with, not exploited. 

From enhanced empathy to a competitive edge, there are huge benefits to be gained from developing a neurodiverse workplace—it’s time to widen that talent pool and get hiring! 

Guest writer.