Essential Guidance for Employers on Supporting Neurodiversity

Acas has released new expert guidance to help employers foster inclusive workplaces that support neurodiverse employees and raise awareness of neurodiversity

Acas, a workplace expert, has issued new guidance on neurodiversity to assist employers in creating more inclusive organisations and raising awareness in the workplace. Neurodiversity refers to the natural variations in how people’s brains function and process information. Common examples of neurodiverse conditions include ADHD, autism, dyslexia and dyspraxia.

Report Findings

In November last year, Acas surveyed 1,650 managers to identify the barriers to making reasonable adjustments for neurodiverse employees. The findings highlighted several key challenges: 72% of respondents noted that employees not disclosing their need for adjustments was a significant obstacle, while 45% attributed the issue to a lack of organisational knowledge about neurodiversity. Furthermore, 39% of line managers admitted to finding it difficult to start conversations on the topic, which further complicated the process.

Raising Awareness

Acas provides several useful recommendations for employers aiming to raise awareness of neurodiversity in the workplace. These include integrating neurodiversity into mandatory training, hosting awareness days and campaigns and encouraging senior employees to act as role models. Employers should also think about creating a staff network dedicated to neurodiversity and incorporating the topic into induction materials to ensure that new hires are informed from the start. By taking these steps, employers can help cultivate a more inclusive and supportive work environment.

Recommended Actions

Acas recommends that employers foster an inclusive environment where staff feel comfortable discussing and disclosing neurodiversity. By raising awareness, the topic can become normalised, ensuring that employees receive the necessary support. Embracing inclusivity offers numerous benefits, such as enhancing staff wellbeing, reducing absenteeism and turnover and attracting a wider range of skills and experiences. Moreover, cultivating an inclusive culture can help minimise the risk of disputes and legal claims related to discrimination.

For managers seeking further information and guidance on how to support neurodiversity in the workplace, Acas offers a wealth of resources on its website.