How to make the workplace welcoming for talented neurodivergent colleagues

BEING a bit different should not be a bar to success at work.

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

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With an estimated one in seven people in the UK being neurodivergent, research has found only half of those in the workplace feel their organisation has an open and supportive climate.

One place getting it right is XPO Logistics, which has a programme 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 out there who have spent a large percentage of their lives thinking they are less.

“The biggest support XPO Logistics gives neurodiverse colleagues, is to make them aware they give us a voice and do an incredible job of raising awareness.

“If you are neurodiverse, own it. You are unique and think differently. This isn’t a ‘disorder’ or a negative, it’s an advantage.”

As part of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we have joined forces with specialist psychological consultancy Lexxic to show how to build a neurodiverse-friendly workplace . . . 

•  Accountability: Build neuro-inclusion into your firm’s policies, procedures, commitments and targets.
•  Education: Grow awareness at all levels. Discuss the value that it brings to your teams and how you can support neurodivergent colleagues and customers.
•  Community: Empower employee-led networks to help provide neurodiversity peer support and cultivate psychological safety.
•  Be proactive: Have conversations with your neurodiverse team members to find out their ways of working and what works best for them.
•  Flexibility: Create a flexible working environment through the availability of workplace adjustments that enable all employees to work to their workplace preferences.
•  Communication: Share your commitment to being neuro-inclusive, the value neurodiversity brings to your organisation and how you support your staff.
• To find out more, go to neurodiversityweek.com.

ADHD: NO BARRIER

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

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

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1. EMPATHY: People with ADHD are often acutely aware of other people’s emotional states. Studies show business leaders with strong Emotional Intelligence (EQ) are the most likely to succeed. In business, EQ is now more important than IQ.
2. WIDE AWARENESS: I can happily run 15 projects at once. My mind doesn’t work in a linear way, so I can easily multi-task. This is perfect for running a large company.
3. HYPER-FOCUS: Many ADHD types let you get absorbed in a subject for hours. On a deadline, nothing will disturb me and everything else seems to disappear.
4. CREATIVE THINKING: In business, diverse thinking wins. We celebrate diversity in nature – we should do more with humans. Neurodiversity is essential. Top recruiters, from tech firms to MI5, seek it out.
5. RESILIENCE: Getting through school and other challenges ADHD can bring builds resilience. A thick skin is vital for the “fail fast, learn fast, fix fast” nature of business.

TUNE IN TO A CAREER WITH TELLY

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

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

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There are two main bursaries on offer, in TV production and journalism, and digital innovation, alongside an additional £2,500 Steve Hewlett Scholarship which supports an applicant with an interest in journalism.

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

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

IF you like to be beside the seaside, it is time to sign up for a summer job at Haven.

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

Jobs are available at each of the firm’s 41 UK parks.

Nola Ferguson, head of talent acquisition, said: “We want to hear from applicants interested in contributing to the success of our award-winning team, whether that is in a seasonal role or those aspiring to build a lasting career with Haven.”

Apply at jobs.haven.com.

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk