Neurodivergent workers enrich organisations, new study shows

New research from global technology company Alludo has shown that neurodivergent workers greatly enhance their workplace, but that more needs to be done to support them to be successful and feel supported. 

The research showed that 51 per cent of neurodivergent workers have quit or are willing to quit their job because they don’t feel supported by their employer, and that the traditional workplace is missing out on top talent by failing to support the needs of neurodiverse employees.

“These workers can bring exceptional skills and much needed strengths to businesses, with the survey highlighting that over 50 per cent of neurodivergent employees can increase workplace flexibility, creativity, and bring diverse ways of thinking that allow them to tackle challenges in unique ways,” a spokesperson said. 

With up to 20 per cent of the world’s population being neurodivergent, living with conditions like ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, and others, workplaces who fail to embrace neurodiversity are potentially missing out on a large talent pool.

“It’s clear that even within organisations that have improved representation across certain groups, there’s a dimension that remains continually overlooked, under-valued, and underdiscussed: neurodiversity,” Becca Chambers, SVP of Global Brand and Communications at Alludo said.

“In supported environments, neurodivergent individuals thrive and offer a wealth of strengths and abilities that allow them to make exciting discoveries and challenge the status quo,” she continued. 

“These exceptionalities are especially valuable now as businesses are struggling to find and retain talent. Embracing neurodiversity in the workforce is not only the right thing to do; it’s smart business.”

Alludo surveyed 902 non-managers, managers, directors, VPs, and C-Level office workers between the ages of 18-65 living in the US and UK to reach their findings. Data reveals that neurodiverse workers can add exceptional value to a business through:

• Strong observational skills and attention to detail 40 per cent
• Ability to stay focused for long periods of time 36.7 per cent
• Excellent ability to recognise patterns 34.6 per cent
• Excellent math skills 34.4 per cent

However, the traditional workplace continues to function for the neurotypical majority, alienating and further stigmatizing neurodiverse talent. 

According to the survey, this disconnect has resulted in 51 per cent of neurodivergent workers thinking about quitting or having left their job because they do not feel their employer is doing enough to support their needs. When different age groups were asked if they have quit or would consider quitting, younger employees were most likely to look for jobs elsewhere.

While neurodiversity is often invisible, it is undoubtedly present throughout all organisations, Ms  Chambers continued, urging business leaders to use the research as an opportunity to redesign outdated work processes to be more inclusive and accessible, while also creating a culture of psychological safety where all their employees—neurodiverse or not—can thrive. 

Not only does this benefit those who identify as neurodivergent but also makes room for more diverse ways of thinking, which is vital for continuous innovation and change.

To see the full results of Alludo’s Neurodiversity at Work Survey Report, click here.