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Neurodiversity within the workforce is an essential part of fostering an inclusive and innovative workplace. By recognising that employees with neurological differences—like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia—can bring unique skills and perspectives, forward-thinking companies are unlocking the full potential of their workforce. Supporting neurodivergent employees with tailored benefits not only improves job satisfaction and productivity but also helps companies attract and retain top talent. Here's a look at 10 companies that are making impactful changes by offering neurodiversity benefits.

Why all companies should offer neurodiversity benefits

Stating the same as the Harvard Business Review report in 2017, a Deloitte report in 2022 highlighted that neurodiverse teams can be up to 30% more productive than teams without neurodiverse employees. This is especially true when looking at roles requiring attention to detail, creativity, and innovation. But without the right support, neurodivergent individuals may struggle to thrive in traditional work environments. Offering neurodiversity benefits at work, from access to counselling to reasonable adjustments in the office, can:

• Attract and retain top talent
  Neurodivergent professionals often have extraordinary abilities, like exceptional focus, pattern recognition, or creative problem-solving. Providing them with the tools and accommodations they need helps unlock this potential, making your company an attractive place to work.
• Create a more inclusive company culture
  Supporting neurodivergent employees reflects your commitment to an inclusive culture and a neuroinclusive workplace. This shows that you're serious about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), helping to create a culture where every individual feels valued and can bring their full self to work.
• Boost productivity
  With the right reasonable adjustments, neurodivergent individuals can often outperform their neurotypical peers in specific tasks. Employers who recognise this and provide tools like noise-cancelling headphones, quiet spaces, or adjusted work hours can see a significant increase in productivity.
• Gain a competitive edge
  Companies that develop a strong approach to neurodiversity can gain a competitive edge by unlocking innovation and creativity through diverse perspectives. By accommodating neurodivergent employees, you’re investing in the long-term success of your workforce.

These companies are setting the standard when it comes to supporting neurodivergent colleagues in 2024:

Sony Music 🏆

Sony Music partners with Fertifa to offer neurodivergent employees comprehensive support, including educational resources on neurodiversity, access to video consultations with Fertifa’s clinical team, and referrals for diagnostic assessments. This partnership ensures neurodivergent colleagues receive tailored guidance and continuous support throughout their journey, fostering an inclusive culture where all employees can thrive.

ClearScore  🏆

ClearScore partners with Fertifa to provide neurodivergent employees with personalised wellbeing support and expert guidance for neurodiversity conditions such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, and autism spectrum conditions. Through tailored care and ongoing advice, Fertifa ensures neurodivergent individuals receive the right support, at the right time for them.

Microsoft

As a global leader in tech, Microsoft has a dedicated Neurodiversity Hiring Programme designed to connect neurodivergent professionals with meaningful careers. The programme focuses on candidates with autism and includes a multi-day interview process designed to reduce anxiety.

SAP

The SAP Autism at Work programme is recognised worldwide for integrating neurodivergent talent into its workforce. SAP provides tailored support, mentoring, and job matching to ensure neurodivergent employees can thrive in roles that align with their skills.

EY (Ernst & Young)

EY’s Neurodiversity Centers of Excellence are designed to bring out the strengths of neurodivergent teams, particularly in areas like data analytics and cybersecurity. EY provides training and flexible work arrangements to help neurodivergent employees excel.

Ford Motor Company

Ford's Autism Hiring Programme focuses on finding and developing neurodivergent employees within its manufacturing teams. The company offers ongoing coaching and support to ensure neurodivergent colleagues succeed and feel valued.

JP Morgan Chase

With its Autism at Work initiative, JP Morgan Chase has hired over 150 neurodivergent individuals across the world. The company tailors the interview process, offers mentoring programmes, and provides accommodations like modified workspaces to help neurodivergent people thrive.

Dell Technologies

Dell is committed to a neuroinclusive workplace with its "Diverse Abilities at Dell" programme. The company offers comprehensive training for managers on how to support neurodivergent employees and provides sensory-friendly workplace environments.

IBM

IBM’s Neurodiversity at Work programme supports neurodivergent individuals through customised onboarding, mentorship, and ongoing career development opportunities. The company also runs dedicated recruitment campaigns aimed at attracting neurodivergent talent.

Google

Google has developed the "Spectrum" programme, which provides tailored support for neurodivergent employees, including flexible work arrangements and customised career paths. Google also offers ongoing education for its wider team on how to work with and support neurodiverse colleagues.

How employers can support neurodivergent employees

Creating a neuroinclusive workplace starts with raising awareness of neurodiversity and recognising the unique needs of neurodivergent colleagues. Key steps employers can take include:

• Offer workplace accommodations
  Reasonable adjustments like flexible working hours, noise-cancelling headphones, or a quiet workspace can significantly reduce stress and improve productivity for neurodivergent employees.
• Provide mentorship and support networks
  Pair neurodivergent employees with trained mentors who can offer them guidance, career development advice, and support.
• Educate your team
  Encourage training programmes that teach neurotypical employees and managers how to better understand and support their neurodivergent colleagues, paving the way for an inclusive environment.
• Adapt the hiring process
  Traditional interviews can be stressful for neurodivergent people. Consider alternatives like working interviews or multiple-day assessments to give neurodivergent individuals a better chance to shine.

The financial and cultural impact

Investing in neurodiversity benefits can lead to:

• Improved retention and job satisfaction
  Neurodivergent employees are more likely to stay with companies that understand and support their needs. Reducing turnover can save companies thousands in hiring and training costs.
• Enhanced innovation and problem-solving
  Neurodiverse people often approach problems from unique perspectives, driving creativity and innovation within teams.
• Stronger DEI efforts
  Raising awareness of neurodiversity and creating an inclusive environment demonstrates a genuine commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, enhancing your company’s reputation and appeal to top talent.
• Boost in employee engagement
  Neurodivergent teams, when properly supported, can have higher levels of employee engagement. An engaged workforce is more productive, innovative, and loyal, contributing to overall business success.

Creating a workplace that supports neurodivergent employees isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s the right thing to do. By offering neurodiversity benefits, companies can create a more inclusive, productive, and innovative work environment, all while attracting and retaining top talent.

If you’re looking to implement neurodiversity benefits at your company, give us a call. We'd love to help you create a truly inclusive workplace.