Companies around the world have started to embrace the value of having diversity in the workplace. It’s time to do the same with embracing people with different mental capabilities. Viewing people with Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Asperger’s syndrome, Dyspraxia, etc. in a positive light will let employers see past their differences and harness their strengths. It’s a win-win situation for both parties.

• Neurodiversity is the inclusion of people with different brain make-ups in the workplace.

It’s high time companies start to include these people who have long been excluded from offices. In the Human Resources front, neurodiversity is a new area of interest, one that will hopefully result in a more inclusive workforce worldwide.

Here are some of the benefits of neurodiversity at the office:

 

• People on the autism spectrum have often been shown to excel at subjects such as cryptography, programming, and mathematics. This is due to their disposition to recognizing patterns, intense focus, and strength to do repetitive tasks.

 

• As with the inclusion of most diverse groups, adding such professionals into the workforce can give your team a fresh perspective. This can lead to new ideas and different approaches to tackling problems.

 

• Giving someone an opportunity who may otherwise not have had one often times results in an extremely loyal, hardworking employee.

 

• Hiring people without discriminating on the basis of ethnic, racial, or mental make-ups is what will ultimately give a company a competitive edge in today’s world. It’s not about fulfilling a basic CSR program anymore; it’s about distinguishing yourself as a company that values talent no matter where it comes from.

 

JPMorgan, for example, found that autistic workers took just three to six months versus the usual three years to do the same level of work in its Mortgage Banking Technology division. They were also 50% more productive, according to the CIPD report.

 

 

How to implement neurodiversity in your office:

 

• During orientations or job fairs, make the term NEURODIVERSITY visible. Have a few brochures on the topic and make sure to ask your HR team to discuss your company’s philosophy on neurodiversity with visitors.

 

• Offer non-traditional interviews, assessments, and training as some neurodiverse employees have social difficulties and their innovative ideas, mechanical aptitude, technical abilities, and focus shine in different ways.

 

• Offer employees the choice between open spaces or private work stations. Consider allowing candidates to work virtually if their work can be done at home. Different people work best in varying environments and by offering options it allows you to attract a dramatically wider range of candidates.

 

• De-stigmatize mental health issues by offering regular meetings on mental health, stress, self-esteem, communication, and burn out.

 

• Encourage employee wellness programs that focus on mindfulness, mental, and physical health.

 

The neurodiversity movement is picking up pace and this is one bandwagon that every company would be wise to explore.

 

Educating ourselves on the different struggles and challenges that people face and becoming comfortable with bringing candidates in for interviews that have previously been excluded can result in having a richer, more productive work environment.

 

International Search Consultants is an international executive recruiting company that offers best-in-class recruitment services to businesses. To fill critical need positions in HR, construction, finance, software, management, real estate, and sales, get in touch with us today.

 

Ann Zaslow-Rethaber is President of ISC and can be reached at 888-866-7276 or via email at

 

Kara Onorato is a Senior Recruiter at ISC, and can be reached directly at 877-316-6249 or via email at