Did you know it’s estimated that 15-20% of the world's population is Neurodivergent? Neurodivergient is a broad term used to describe individuals whose brain processes information differently and can influence how they think, feel or communicate. The term covers a wide range of conditions including ADHD, Autism, and Dyslexia. It covers a wide range of conditions, including ADHD, autism, and dyslexia.
Sadly, neurodiversity is still widely misunderstood, and without the support of an inclusive workplace, navigating working life can be incredibly tricky. According to the National Autistic Society, 45% of neurodivergent individuals will leave or lose their job because of being misunderstood at work.
The good news is that workplaces are making progress (and rightly so) in creating environments that champion and support neurodiversity. But there’s always more that can be done. Both employers and neurodivergent individuals can make small but meaningful changes to promote a more inclusive and positive working environment.
Here are our top 10 tools and tips for making workplaces more neurodiversity-friendly:
Tools: Clickup, Trello, Asana, Monday.com etc
Why It Helps: Workloads can get a little overwhelming, that’s why task management tools (even the free versions) are a lifesaver for staying focused. They let you prioritise tasks and display information in a way that’s easy to digest. At our company, we use ClickUp. It helps us track time, communicate with each other, and stay on top of our tasks – all in one place.
Tools: Google Calendar, Outlook, Clickup Calenders
Why It Helps: We get it… the procrastination is real! Keeping yourself focused is essential to ensuring all tasks are completed. Blocking out chunks of time in your calendar for specific tasks ensures you’ve got uninterrupted focus time, with helpful reminders of what needs to get done each day.
Tools: Transcribe AI, Otta AI etc
Why It Helps: Taking notes in meetings can be tricky – sometimes it’s impossible to jot everything down and still absorb all the information. That’s why at Visions, we record all of our meetings and using clever AI tools, we transcribe them to give us summaries and clear action points. This makes staying on top of things so much easier.
Tools: Bose QuietComfort, Sony WH-1000XM5, AirPods Pro
Why It Helps: If your office is anything like ours, it can get noisy! The buzz of the workplace is great, but it’s not always ideal when you need to focus. Noise-cancelling headphones minimise auditory distractions and help create a more focused work environment. Of course, you can pop them off to join in on the “What’s for tea?” chat!
Resources: Coworking spaces or workplace accommodations
Why It Helps: It’s all about personalising your work environment, within moderation of course. Whether that’s working from home to avoid distractions, having a bigger desk, adding plants, or using anti-glare screens, a tailored environment can enhance focus and comfort. We promote hybrid working so our team can strike a balance between concentration and collaboration.
Tools: BetterHelp, Talkspace, Calm and Employee Assistance Helpline
Why It Helps: At Visions, we are passionate about creating the best possible environment for both emotional and physical support. That’s why we have invested in HR support that provides Employee Assistance to all of our staff for a wide range of issues including, mental health, financial support, medical support, family issues, stress and anxiety and many more. This helpline is open 24/7 and is confidential, to ensure our staff get the support they need, whenever they need. We understand that occasionally, personal life spills into worklife, and we’re there to ensure that our team is supported in any way we can. Apps like BetterHelp, Breathe, and Calm can also help regulate emotions and provide calming strategies for moments when things feel overwhelming.
Tools: Fidget cubes, spinners, stress balls, desk friendly games, putty and rings,
Why It Helps: For those who struggle with restless energy, fidget tools can be a great outlet for energy without disrupting the office. Whether it’s a fidget spinner, stress ball, or desk toy, these tools can help you refocus and stay on track.
Tools: Desk lamps with adjustable lighting and colours, light diffusers/covers sitting in a darker room.
Why It Helps: Some individuals prefer to work without the big bright lights as they can feel overstimulating. Sitting in a darker room can be preferred, but safety is important. Therefore, having desk lamps or lamps that are adjustable can help individuals feel calm and comfortable whilst working. Flexible working arrangements can also make a big difference, as home environments can often be better suited to personal preferences.
