With many workforces stating that over the past 12 months retaining talent has been a huge issue, and with diversity being high on employee’s agenda, businesses need to show they are a diverse and inclusive business more than ever before. Supporting employers to harness the talent and potential of neurodiverse individuals is essential for a truly diverse work culture and for businesses success. Being diverse is a key element that employers need to uphold to not only look attractive to potential candidates but to retain talent.
One of the ways companies should be expanding their talent pool is through hiring neurodivergent workers. Bhanu Dhir, Chief Executive Officer at Steps To Work shares his thoughts on why subverting the standard hiring process is essential in today’s market.
“While many companies are more conscious of diversity, equality, and inclusion (DE&I) in the workplace, we find that the neurodivergent group of professionals can be wrongly overlooked when it comes to the hiring process.
“Neurodivergence includes a range of conditions including Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Attention Deficit Disorders and Autism. The National Autistic Society reports at least 700,000 autistic adults in the UK and more than one in 100 people are on the autism spectrum1.
“In the UK, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) also published data to show that just 22% of autistic adults are in any kind of employment2. This shocking figure shows that many workplaces are ignoring neurodiversity within their ‘diversity’ remit and not making the most out of their unrecognised and underappreciated talents.
“The neurodivergent talent pool is one of the groups that is wrongly overlooked when businesses are considering potential candidates and this needs to change. Embracing neurodivergent professionals not only achieves an inclusive culture but it diversifies organisations strengths and offerings. It also encourages different approaches to creativity, innovation, and ways of working which is essential to business success.
“Neurodiverse people bring a lot of qualities to the workplace, including: attention to detail, strategic thinking, reliability and lots more. Research suggests that teams with neurodivergent professionals in some roles can be 30% more productive than those without 3. Here at Steps To Work, our free services are available to help everyone get back into employment or make their first step on their career ladder.
“Steps To Work is incredibly passionate about giving everyone the opportunity to reach their career goals. We want employers to know there are many great benefits to making space for neurodiversity in the workplace and embracing a fully diverse working culture to help empower businesses.”