Businesses Unite to Shed Light on Neurodiversity in the Workplace
By Jill Dando News
In a brilliant new partnership, two East Midlands firms have taken a significant step towards improving workplace support for neurodivergent employees, hosting a free seminar that drew representatives from businesses, schools, and charities.
Derby-based Precept HR & Employment Law and Nottingham's Cherry Professional joined forces to address the critical issue of neurodiversity, offering insights into creating more inclusive work environments for individuals with autism and other neurodivergent conditions.
The event, held at Precept's Mansfield Road offices, provided a comprehensive overview of the benefits of a neurodiverse workforce and the potential risks of misunderstanding neurodivergent employees' needs.
A standout moment came with the participation of London lawyer Mark Pearce, who shared his personal experiences of living with autism, offering attendees a unique perspective on the challenges and strengths of neurodivergent professionals.
Recent statistics paint a stark picture of the workplace challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals.
A survey revealed that 65% of neurodivergent employees fear discrimination from management, while 55% worry about potential bias from colleagues. Perhaps most alarmingly, 40% feel there is insufficient understanding to provide proper support.
"We know that one in seven people in the UK are neurodiverse," said Precept director Rob Tice. "It is absolutely vital that employers understand how to support their staff effectively."
Attendees were particularly impressed by the seminar's practical approach. Libby Beck from the University of Derby noted,
"A lot of organizations say they have Diversity and Inclusion policies, but they don't know how to put them into practice, especially in recruitment processes."
Dee Fletcher from Cherry Professional emphasized the growing importance of the topic, stating that neurodiversity is "moving up the agenda from both HR and business perspectives."
The seminar covered crucial topics including:
- Creating effective neurodiversity policies
- Making necessary workplace adjustments
- Understanding individual support needs
- Navigating potential discrimination risks
With neurodivergent individuals facing significant workplace challenges, events like these represent a critical step towards more inclusive and supportive work environments.
As Debbie Harriott from Fortitude Nicsa Global put it, the seminar was "really eye-opening and helpful" - a sentiment that seems to capture the day's broader impact.
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