
Talented employees leave after short tenures despite strong technical skills, whilst detail-oriented team members who produce excellent work somehow miss deadlines. Meanwhile, creative staff members struggle in meetings yet consistently deliver outstanding results when working independently.
These patterns often indicate neurodivergent employees working in environments mismatched to how their brains process information. Around 1 in 7 people are neurodivergent [1], meaning they think, learn, and process information differently from conventional expectations. Yet many businesses inadvertently exclude them through unexamined workplace policies.
The numbers tell a stark story: just three in ten autistic people in the UK are in employment [2]. This represents an enormous untapped talent pool.
The business impact extends beyond recruitment costs. Lost productivity from employees working in unsuitable conditions, reduced retention, and missed innovation from unexplored perspectives all affect outcomes. When you consider that employee replacement costs range from 50% to 200% of annual salary, the case for making these adjustments becomes financially compelling.
Neurodivergent describes people with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and Tourette syndrome [1]. Each condition affects how someone's brain processes information.
Understanding neurodiversity has become increasingly important as workforce demographics shift. Gen Z (people born 1997-2012) now makes up 30% of the workforce, and over half (53%) identify as definitely or somewhat neurodiverse. Perhaps more significantly, 80% of Gen Z prefer to apply to companies that support neurodivergent employees. [1]
This isn't just about attracting younger workers. It's about recognising that 25% of CEOs are dyslexic - though many don't want to talk about it [8]. Neurodivergent traits exist at every level of successful organisations.
Research suggests that teams with neurodivergent professionals in some roles can be 30% more productive than those without them [8]. But context matters: JPMorgan Chase's study [9] showed their first cohort of five autistic employees were 48% more productive than colleagues in software quality assurance and performance engineering - with specialised support including dedicated job coaches and week-long work trial periods replacing traditional interviews. The gains came from careful job matching to strengths, not inherent abilities that apply universally.
The data backs this up: companies with mature disability inclusion practices achieve 28% higher revenue and double the net income of competitors [10].
Real-world programmes demonstrate these benefits. DXC Technology's neurodiversity hiring programme shows 92% retention [11] compared to 66% UK average for all employees [12]. Organisations that provide mentors to professionals with disabilities reported a 16% increase in profitability, 18% in productivity, and 12% in customer loyalty [8].
Each neurodivergent person is unique, and it wouldn't be accurate to generalise their cognitive process. One neurodivergent leader explained: “When people are discussing something, I can almost see it in my head; I reorganise it and then explain it in simple terms” [8].
Abilities such as visual thinking, attention to detail, pattern recognition, visual memory, and creative thinking can help elevate ideas or opportunities teams might otherwise have missed - individuals with neurodivergent traits bring unique perspectives to the table. By embracing and accommodating these differences, organisations can tap into a diverse pool of talent and drive innovation.
One example of leveraging cognitive diversity is through agile teams. These teams are made up of individuals with different backgrounds, skills, and ways of thinking. This allows for a wider range of ideas and solutions to be explored, leading to more comprehensive and effective outcomes.
Traditional hiring processes often overlook neurodivergent talent. Yet despite this clear business case, many employees have limited knowledge of neurodiversity, conditions, and symptoms. This lack of awareness often starts at the recruitment stage. Standardised methods - conventional interviews, lack of transparency, insufficient support for different communication styles - often fail to accommodate diverse perspectives [1].
Many job descriptions include phrases like “excellent communicator” and “strong team player” without defining these terms. This language often codes for neurotypical social behaviour rather than actual role requirements.
List only essential requirements, as each unnecessary preference reduces the talent pool significantly. Before including any qualification or attribute, consider whether someone could still perform the role effectively without it.
Traditional interviews assess confidence under pressure and social performance. Unless these represent core job requirements, the process may miss capable candidates whilst advancing others. Providing questions in advance allows candidates to prepare thoughtful responses, shifting the assessment toward reasoning ability rather than quick thinking under pressure.
Work samples offer a more direct demonstration of actual capability: for data analysis roles, provide a dataset to analyse; for writing positions, request writing samples. Observing candidates perform relevant tasks reveals far more than hypothetical scenarios ever could.
Some organisations schedule interviews across several days instead of packing them back-to-back, reducing stress on applicants [1]. Allowing candidates to use their own laptops for tests helps them feel more comfortable [1]. Panel interviews can create sensory challenges - one-to-one conversations or written responses alongside verbal discussions often provide better information about capability.
Don't categorise neurodivergent people into certain skillsets based on diagnosis. Research shows that when post-secondary institutions examined who was self-identifying as neurodivergent to their accessibility offices, more people self-identified from arts than from STEM, contrary to popular opinion [13].
Organisations should be open to neurodivergent candidates across all departments and roles, not just technical positions. What started as targeted programmes in many companies has evolved into full-time employment models across various functions. Freddie Mac's neurodiversity programme, for example, started with short-term internships and now offers full-time positions across enterprise risk management, IT, and loan processing for people with autism, ADD, ADHD, and dyslexia [14].
Open-plan offices reduce productivity for many employees beyond the neurodivergent population. Research indicates workers in open-plan offices take 62% more sick days [15]. Constant noise, visual distractions, and fluorescent lighting impair concentration.
Practical adjustments include:
Remote work eliminates commute stress and reduces sensory input for many neurodivergent employees. However, some individuals require office structure for organisation. Individual preferences vary considerably.
Workplace communication often relies on ambiguous language, where phrases like "handle this when convenient" or "as soon as possible" create wildly different interpretations—one person understands "this week," another thinks "today," and a third assumes "no urgency." Specific language eliminates this confusion: "Please complete this by Tuesday at 5 PM" provides clear expectations that benefit all employees whilst being essential for those who interpret language literally.
Written confirmation after verbal discussions accommodates different processing styles, recognising that some people absorb information best through conversation whilst others need written material for review and reference. Follow-up documentation takes minutes but prevents hours of confusion.
Compare these approaches:
Unclear: “Can you look into the client issue when you have time and let me know your thoughts?"
Clear: “Please investigate the client's database connection issue. Provide your diagnosis and proposed solution by Thursday at 2 PM for response before their Friday deadline."
Some neurodivergent individuals benefit from specific, step-by-step instructions rather than broad directives. Breaking down tasks into concrete actions with clear verbs helps: instead of “prepare the room,” try “vacuum the floor, dust the surfaces, and arrange six chairs in a circle."
Meeting agendas distributed in advance improve participation. List discussion topics, required decisions, and necessary preparation. This enables all attendees to contribute effectively rather than processing information and formulating responses simultaneously.
Multiple communication channels accommodate different preferences:
Not everyone communicates most effectively through identical methods.
Many managers provide indirect feedback or use "sandwich" approaches where criticism appears between compliments, but this often creates confusion rather than clarity. Direct, specific feedback serves everyone better: "The analysis was thorough and identified three calculation errors. The report needs shorter paragraphs and more headings for easier scanning" indicates exactly what to maintain and what to adjust, whereas "Good work overall, but readability could improve" lacks actionable detail.
Written feedback creates valuable reference material, particularly since verbal discussions fade from memory or become misremembered. Documentation helps employees track progress and clarify expectations over time.
Some employees produce exceptional work in intensive blocks but struggle with steady eight-hour routines, whilst others work most effectively during off-peak hours with fewer interruptions. Where roles permit flexibility, allowing it improves outcomes - so focus on results rather than uniform processes. Consider whether specific methods genuinely affect work quality: does note-taking method during meetings matter if the work gets completed effectively? Do email response times matter if communication remains adequate?
Breaking large projects into milestones with defined deadlines creates helpful structure. "Launch the new website by June" can overwhelm employees with executive function challenges, whereas "Complete homepage design by 15 March, build pages by 30 April, test and launch by 15 June" provides clear progression. Similarly, matching tasks to strengths improves efficiency: employees who excel at pattern recognition suit quality control work, those who generate creative solutions handle innovation projects, and those with strong spatial thinking lead design initiatives.
This approach benefits team performance broadly, as research indicates that diverse cognitive styles improve problem-solving. Teams with varied thinking patterns challenge assumptions and identify solutions that homogeneous groups overlook.
Mentors provide much-needed support to all workers' careers, but they're perhaps even more important for the development of the neurodivergent workforce [8]. A mentor can be an advocate for the professional, playing an active role in creating opportunities and, over time, empowering the individual to build relationships and create other professional allies across the organisation [8].
In addition to mentors, work buddies and trusted peers who make the effort to understand the individual and provide long-term commitment can help neurodivergent professionals feel more empowered. .
Assistive technology (AT) refers to software, hardware, or built-in system features that help employees perform tasks in a way that better matches how they process information. For neurodivergent people, AT can reduce unnecessary effort and enable them to work at their best without constant workaround strategies.
AbilityNet notes that many adjustments rely on existing technology and cost very little to implement [16]. Most operating systems already include accessibility functions that can be activated by employees or configured centrally through IT support.
The key is not to prescribe one solution for all, but to match tools to individual needs and make sure everyone knows what options exist.
Some employees find written communication or dense documents difficult to process. Built-in accessibility features can remove barriers without altering the work standard.
Encourage employees to explore the accessibility section of their operating system or software suite. Managers can signpost internal IT guides or short training sessions during onboarding. The goal is to normalise accessibility rather than reserve it for those who disclose a condition.
Executive function differences can make prioritising or sequencing tasks difficult. Digital planning tools can externalise structure and support reliable time management.
Teams can agree on shared planning tools so that everyone benefits from clarity and consistency. Managers should avoid imposing a single method but make options visible and offer flexibility in how staff manage their time.
Workplaces often reward quick verbal processing, which can disadvantage neurodivergent employees. Accessible communication tools make collaboration more equitable.
Use captions and summaries by default, not on request. Send agendas in advance and note key decisions afterward. These practices require minimal effort but make meetings significantly more accessible.
For autistic, ADHD, and dyspraxic employees, environmental control can affect performance as much as digital tools. Adjustments should be straightforward and employee-driven.
Include sensory preferences in workplace setup checklists (for example, preferred desk location or lighting). Facilities and HR teams can work together to document and maintain these adjustments.
Technology only works when employees know how to use it confidently. Short, structured training or coaching ensures tools become embedded in everyday practice.
Keep information about accessibility tools visible on intranet pages, and ensure IT helpdesks are briefed to support their setup. The goal is for every employee, not only those who disclose, to know these tools exist.
Assistive technology works best when it’s treated as standard, not exceptional. The CIPD recommends that organisations integrate accessibility and neuroinclusive design into all digital systems and processes [18].
Examples include:
Embedding these practices moves inclusion from individual accommodation to organisational culture - benefiting everyone, not just those who identify as neurodivergent.
Yet even with growing awareness, a gap remains between understanding and consistent action. The CIPD Neuroinclusion at Work Report (2024) [18] shows that while a large majority of employees (81%) say they understand what neurodiversity is, only 38% feel their organisation provides meaningful support, and just over half feel comfortable asking for adjustments.
As illustrated below, this mismatch between awareness and lived experience highlights a persistent cultural barrier: employees often recognise the importance of neurodiversity but don’t see it reflected in everyday systems.
For assistive technology to have real impact, it must be supported by a culture where using accessibility tools and requesting adjustments is normalised rather than stigmatised. When inclusion becomes the default, engagement and confidence rise across the workforce.
Employee perspectives on neurodiversity awareness and support. Source: CIPD, 2024. [18]
The organisational impact of embedding such inclusive systems is equally significant. According to the same report, employers that have acted on neuroinclusion report measurable improvements across multiple areas - 63% see higher employee wellbeing, 60% report greater comfort discussing neurodiversity, and over half note stronger organisational culture and management quality.
As shown in the below chart, these outcomes demonstrate that neuroinclusion is not just about fairness; it directly enhances performance, engagement, and retention. When accessibility and flexibility are built into everyday systems - supported by leadership, training, and accountability - technology shifts from a reactive adjustment to a driver of sustainable, inclusive growth.
Organisational impact of neuroinclusion activity. Source: CIPD, 2024. [18]
Becoming a neuroinclusive organisation doesn’t require an overhaul - it requires deliberate sequencing. The most effective approaches start small, measure impact, and expand systematically. A structured process helps inclusion move from isolated initiatives to sustainable practice.
Review recruitment, communication, and performance processes for hidden barriers. Check whether job adverts overstate social expectations, whether meetings rely on fast verbal processing, and whether technology settings are fully accessible. Tools such as the CIPD’s Diversity Calendar or the Business Disability Forum’s self-assessment tools provide useful starting points.
Introduce low-cost, high-impact changes first - clearer written communication, meeting agendas circulated in advance, captioning in virtual meetings, and workspace lighting options. Trial these with volunteer teams, gather feedback, and refine. The goal is to integrate inclusion into normal workflows rather than treat it as an add-on.
Once adjustments prove effective, formalise them in policy and training. Include accessibility options in IT induction, train managers on inclusive communication, and ensure HR processes reference neurodiversity explicitly. Embedding neuroinclusion into leadership and performance frameworks makes it self-sustaining rather than dependent on individual champions.
Access to Work grants reach up to £69,260 annually as of April 2024-March 2025 [19]. This publicly funded employment support provides practical and financial help for people with disabilities to start or stay in work. The grant doesn't need repayment and won't affect other benefits.
It covers:
| Item | Cost Range | Typically Funded By |
|---|---|---|
| Workplace needs assessment | £195 - £350 | Free through Access to Work |
| Noise-cancelling headphones | £28-£40 (basic) to £200-£500 (professional) | Access to Work for eligible employees |
| Assistive software | Typically licensed via workplace or Access to Work, not retail | Access to Work |
| Coaching (neurodiversity or assistive tech) | £50-£100+ per hour | Access to Work or employer |
| Autism awareness training | £30 - £175 | Access to Work or employer |
For more information, visit:
Exclusion is simply not an option. However, merely acknowledging and accepting individual differences, without taking further action, is also not enough. While well-intentioned, concepts like "tolerance" and "acceptance" can sometimes imply a conditional welcome, where norms might still be set by a dominant group. These approaches can also inadvertently place a person's "difference" before their individuality. For genuine cultural transformation, organisations need to evolve beyond exclusion and actively foster a sense of belonging. [8]
Organisations can foster this feeling of belonging, broadly, in three ways, as per Deloitte [8]:
Neurodivergent employees might mask their condition at work. Masking means hiding parts of a condition to fit in better. Someone might not be aware they're doing it. Being neurodivergent means facing challenges that a neurotypical person doesn't have to, especially as people with neurodivergent differences are more at risk of having mental illnesses or poor wellbeing. This is often due to a lack of support, and the stress of 'masking' - acting neurotypically in order to avoid stigma or a negative response.
Masking can cause mental health problems. It can make someone feel exhausted, isolated, and like they cannot be themselves.
People might not need to mask as much if they feel comfortable at work. Employers can help by taking steps to make their organisation neuroinclusive and thinking carefully about how they talk about neurodiversity.
A person has a disability if they have a physical or mental impairment, and the impairment has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-day activities [7].
(See: Equality Act 2010)
What ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ mean:
Crucially: no formal diagnosis is required [21]. Tribunals assess impact on daily activities. Neurodivergent conditions may meet this threshold. Fluctuating conditions may qualify if the effects are substantial when active.
Once an employer knows or ought to know that someone has a disability, reasonable adjustments become mandatory [22]. The questions below can help you determine reasonableness.
Small employers are judged differently than large corporations on affordability [23]. Most effective adjustments cost nothing: flexible hours, written instructions, regular check-ins, designated quiet workspace.
In the 2023/2024 financial year, the average disability discrimination award was £44,483 [24], but penalties can be much higher, with a maximum recorded penalty of £4.6 million in a 2024 ADHD/PTSD case [25].
Recent tribunal cases highlight the significant financial risks for employers. In Borg-Neal v Lloyds Banking Group (2023) [26], a dyslexic employee who was summarily dismissed for using an inappropriate term during race awareness training won £470,000. The tribunal found that their disability affected how he phrased a legitimate question, and dismissing them amounted to discrimination. Furthermore, tribunals can increase awards by up to 25% [27] if employers unreasonably fail to follow the ACAS Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures.
Neuroinclusion becomes meaningful when organisations can see - and demonstrate - change. Tracking outcomes helps identify what works, supports transparency, and strengthens the business case for continued investment.
Key indicators you can start monitoring:
Data should be anonymised and voluntary but reported consistently. As ACAS guidance notes [28], evidence-based monitoring allows organisations to move beyond intention to measurable impact - and to identify where support still falls short.
Neuroinclusion is not about lowering expectations or creating exceptions; it’s about defining success by contribution rather than conformity. Traditional measures often reward visibility and verbal fluency over substance, unintentionally overlooking those whose strengths lie in accuracy, innovation, or creative insight.
True inclusion asks a more practical question: what conditions allow each person to perform at their best, and are we designing work to enable that? When managers focus on outcomes, communication flexibility, and sustainable workloads, they build environments where different minds can succeed without masking or burnout.
Leaders play a central role in shaping this culture. Asking “What works best for you?” and treating adjustments as routine rather than special sends a powerful message: inclusion is not an initiative - it’s how effective organisations operate. When systems evolve to fit people, rather than the reverse, retention, trust, and innovation follow naturally.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information is accurate at the time of writing but may be subject to change. For advice specific to your situation, please consult a qualified professional.
[1] Microsoft, Neurodiversity Program: case study, 2025.
[2] Department for Work and Pensions, The Buckland Review of Autism Employment: report and recommendations, February 2024.
[3] ADHD UK, What is ADHD - About ADHD.
[4] National Autistic Society, What is autism.
[5] NHS, Dyslexia, March 2022.
[6] Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities, Dyspraxia.
[7] GOV.UK, Equality Act 2010: guidance, October 2025.
[8] Deloitte, Neurodiversity in the workplace - Deloitte Insights, January 2022.
[9] JPMorgan Chase, Autism at Work program opens doors for those on the spectrum - Employee Benefit News, September 2020.
[10] Accenture, Companies Leading in Disability Inclusion Have Outperformed Peers, Accenture Research Finds, October 2018.
[11] DXC Technology, DXC Dandelion Program Overview, 2021.
[12] CIPD, Benchmarking Employee Turnover - CIPD Voice.
[13] Parliamentary Committees, More arts neurodivergent self-identification than STEM.
[14] Next for Autism, Freddie Mac neurodiversity programme.
[15] U.S. National Library of Medicine, Open-plan office study, July 2023.
[16] AbilityNet, What are reasonable adjustments - workplace accessibility guide.
[17] GOV.UK, Access to Work factsheet for customers.
[18] CIPD, Neuroinclusion at Work Report, 2024.
[19] GOV.UK, Access to Work grant expenditure forecasts.
[20] GOV.UK, Definition of disability under Equality Act 2010.
[21] ACAS, What disability means by law.
[22] ACAS, Reasonable adjustments: disability at work.
[23] Middleton Law Ltd, Neurodiversity and reasonable workplace adjustments.
[24] BBC, Hammersmith and Fulham Council boss speaks out over £4.6m pay-out, March 2024.
[25] GOV.UK, Tribunals statistics quarterly: April to June 2024, October 2024.
[26] Hill Dickinson LLP, Discrimination: £470K compensation awarded dyslexic employee - Borg-Neal v Lloyds Banking Group (2023), 2024.
[27] MFMAC, 25% ACAS code uplifts endorsed - employment tribunal guidance, 2024.
[28] ACAS, Neurodiversity at work: making your organisation neuroinclusive.