How Leaders Can Support and Embrace The Untapped Potential of Neurodiverse Talent

Originally Posted on Entrepreneur.com | October 17, 2022

NIka White

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Article Summary (Via ChatGPT)

There are several ways that entrepreneurs and business owners can support neurodiverse individuals in the workplace and include them in their DEI plans. Some of these include:

1. Find a manager or employee to be a success partner and ally: Train a manager or coworker to be an ally for a neurodivergent employee, and help them practice active listening and compassionate communication.

2. Create a flexible and accommodating work environment: Consider offering flexible work arrangements, such as allowing employees to work from home or adjusting work hours to accommodate different schedules. You can also consider providing quiet rooms or noise-cancelling headphones to help employees focus.

3. Include neurodiversity in your DEI training: Make sure your DEI training includes information about neurodiversity and how to support neurodiverse individuals. This can help create a more inclusive and supportive work environment for all employees.

4. Encourage open communication: Encourage open communication and encourage employees to share their needs and accommodations. This can help ensure that neurodiverse individuals feel supported and included in the workplace.

Overall, it's important to approach neurodiversity with an open mind and a willingness to learn and adapt. By being proactive and supportive, entrepreneurs and business owners can create an inclusive and welcoming work environment for all employees.

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What can we do as entrepreneurs and business owners to support neurodiverse folks in the workplace? Include them in our DEI plans.

By Nika WhiteOctober 17, 2022

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. When we think of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), we often think of race, gender, sexual orientation and physical disability. But what about mental and cognitive diversity? These days, more and more people are coming out as neurodiverse. An estimated 15-20% of people worldwide are neurodivergent and that could include folks in your workplace. While neurodiversity qualifies as part of the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), what a neurodivergent person may need in order to feel welcomed, safe and productive at work may differ from what's available. What can we do as entrepreneurs and business owners to support neurodiverse folks in the workplace and include them in our DEI plans? As a diversity and inclusion practitioner for more than 20 years, I'll share the answers to these questions — and more — in this article.

Full Article: https://www.entrepreneur.com/growing-a-business/how-leaders-can-support-neurodiverse-talent-in-the-workplace/435661