Creating the Neuroculture
Embacing neurodiversity is a complex endeavour As many organisations often implement isolated policies and occasional training sessions, they often miss the mark in promoting a truly (sustainable) inclusive environment. These efforts are costly in terms of time, money, and resources, and can lead to the dreaded diversity fatigue among employees. This tends to happen when organisations look at diversity as an add on to the organisation’s operations, a side dish which accompanies the main course instead of a key ingredient within the whole recipe.
By incorporating the following practices within your organisation, you can cultivate a Neuroculture that reaps the numerous benefits associated with having a neurodiverse team.
Inclusion
Once a neurodiverse workforce is in place, it's vital to nurture an inclusive environment where everyone is given a seat at the table and an opportunity to participate.
Equality
Individuals should receive training and development to reach their full potential, including understanding and addressing the barriers they may face. Giving everyone the tools they need to thrive equally.
Leadership
Leaders must embody the desired behaviours within the organisation. When managers promote positive behaviours and values, the rest of the team is likely to follow suit.
Culture
All levels of the organisation, from management to employees, must understand the value that comes with having a diverse team. Employees should recognise the importance of their roles and how they contribute to the organisation's broader mission and values, with the culture ensuring everyone believes in the same purpose.
Mechanics
Organisations can leverage key mechanisms across the employee lifecycle to promote neurodiversity and create a more inclusive work environment. These mechanisms involve addressing internal processes that impact job advertising, recruitment, communication with employees, and task delivery. By integrating neurodiversity support throughout these stages, organisations can harness the unique strengths of neurodiverse individuals and encourage their meaningful contributions.
Building a case for diversity
The objective is to create a proactive culture that leverages neurodiversity as a tool for strength within the organisation. Each neurodivergent profile comes with unique strengths that can support and drive innovation in various departments.
By harnessing desired behaviours through leadership and promoting a commitment throughout the workplace, organisations can use a combination education and action to generate an inclusive environment.
Though mechanisms, policies and procedures which are consistent, inspiring (and actually followed up on), organisations are able to take the first step in utilising The Neuroverse!
