How to make the workplace welcoming to talented neurodivergent colleagues

Being a little different shouldn’t be a barrier to success at work.

Some of the world’s leading entrepreneurs are neurodiverse, including Virgin founder Richard Branson, who has ADHD and dyslexia, and Elon Musk of Tesla and SpaceX, who is on the autistic spectrum.

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With an estimated one in seven people in the UK to be neurodivergent, research has shown that only half of people in the workplace feel their organization has an open and supportive climate.

One place where this can be done well is XPO Logistics, which has a program to train colleagues and ensure greater inclusivity.

Dave Tranter, who is dyslexic, is XPO’s head of central finance.

The 36-year-old from Wigan said: “There is a huge talent pool who have spent a large percentage of their lives thinking they are less than.

“The biggest support that XPO Logistics gives to neurodiverse colleagues is to make them aware that they give us a voice and are doing a fantastic job in raising awareness.

“If you’re neurodiverse, own it. You are unique and think differently. This is not a ‘disorder’ or negative, it is a benefit.”

As part of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we’ve joined forces with specialist psychological consultancy Lexxic to show how you can build a neurodiversity-friendly workplace. . .

• Responsibility: Build neuroinclusion into your company’s policies, procedures, commitments and objectives.
•  Education: Increase awareness at all levels. Discuss the value it brings to your teams and how you can support neurodivergent colleagues and customers.
•  Community: Empower employee-led networks to provide neurodiversity peer support and cultivate psychological safety.
•  Be proactive: Have conversations with your neurodiverse team members to discover their way of working and what works best for them.
•  Flexibility: Create a flexible working environment through the availability of workplace adjustments that allow all employees to work according to their workplace preferences.
•  Communication: Share your commitment to being neuro-inclusive, the value neurodiversity brings to your organization and how you support your workforce.
• For more information, visit neurodiversityweek.com.

ADHD: NO BARRIER

NEIL SMITH, from men’s mental health app bemettle.com, was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of eight.

The CEO, who co-founded the app with TV adventurer Bear Grylls, explains how ADHD traits can boost your career.

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1. EMPATHY: People with ADHD are often acutely aware of the emotional states of others. Research shows that business leaders with strong emotional intelligence (EQ) are most likely to succeed. In business, EQ is now more important than IQ.
2. BROAD CONSCIOUSNESS: I can happily handle 15 projects at a time. My mind doesn’t work linearly, so I can multitask with ease. This is perfect for running a large business.
3. HYPER FOCUS: With many ADHD types, you can become absorbed in a subject for hours. On a deadline, nothing can bother me and everything else seems to disappear.
4. CREATIVE THINKING: In business, diverse thinking wins. We celebrate diversity in nature – we need to do more with people. Neurodiversity is essential. Top recruiters, from tech companies to MI5, are out to get it.
5. RESISTANCE: Getting through school and other challenges. ADHD can lead to an increase in resilience. A thick skin is essential to the ‘fail fast, learn fast, fix fast’ nature of business.

TUNE INTO A CAREER WITH TELLY

HELP break into the TV world with a grant from the Royal Television Society.

Backed by Big Brother presenter AJ Odudu, the RTS is accepting applications for its programme, aimed at encouraging more diverse applicants.

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Two major scholarships are on offer, for TV Production and Journalism, and for Digital Innovation, in addition to an additional Steve Hewlett Scholarship of £2,500, to support an applicant with an interest in journalism.

RTS chief executive Theresa Wise said: “The grants shine a light on the wide range of talented young people who make our industry thrive.”

• Apply by June 24 at rts.org.uk/education-and-trainingpages/bursaries.

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If you like being by the sea, it’s time to sign up for a holiday job at Haven.

The holiday park operator has 10,000 full-time and part-time positions in areas including food and beverage, activities and leisure, accommodation services and security.

There are courses available in each of the company’s 41 UK parks.

Nola Ferguson, head of talent acquisition, said: “We are keen to hear from applicants who are interested in contributing to the success of our award-winning team, whether that is in a seasonal role or from candidates who are looking to build a sustainable career with Haven to build.”

Apply at jobs.haven.com.