Understanding and accommodating neurodivergent needs can create a more inclusive workplace for all employees.
Shifting the focus from blame to support can better understand and accommodate neurodivergent employees and their underlying issues or lack of support.
Deep dives
Neurodivergence and Accommodations in the Workplace
Neurodivergence, which includes conditions such as ADHD, autism, OCD, and dyslexia, affects individuals differently in the workplace. Accommodations that reduce unnecessary cognitive load and provide support allow neurodivergent individuals to excel in a standard office environment. Understanding and respecting neurodivergent needs can create a more inclusive workplace for all employees.
Misconceptions About Neurodivergence
A common misconception is that neurodivergent individuals are lazy or have a moral failing when they experience changes in their performance or productivity. In reality, everyone wants to do well in their job, and a decrease in productivity is often a symptom of underlying issues or lack of support. By shifting the focus from blame to support, managers can better understand and accommodate neurodivergent employees.
Creating a Neurodivergently Inclusive Environment
Creating a neurodivergently inclusive environment involves providing choices and reducing unnecessary cognitive load. Options such as flexible core hours, remote work, and diverse communication methods can benefit everyone, not just neurodivergent individuals. Additionally, listening to individuals' needs and supporting their well-being, including respecting focus time and minimizing disruptions, can contribute to a more supportive and productive workplace.
Benefits of Neurodivergent Thinking
Neurodivergent individuals bring unique skills and perspectives to the workplace. For example, autistic individuals often think from bottoms up, enabling them to excel at systems thinking and problem-solving. ADHD can foster creativity and innovative solutions. By embracing neurodivergent thinking, organizations can tap into valuable strengths and enhance overall effectiveness and creativity.
Saron sits down again with Frankie Nicoletti who we heard from in Season 23. This time Saron and Frankie talk about neurodivergence. They talk about what neurodivergence is, how listening to people's needs and making accommodations to allow people to do their best work is and will always be good for everyone, not just those who are neurodivergent, and the benefits of being neurodivergent.
Francesca Kerberos Nicoletti (she/they) is an engineer, leader, educator, and polymath, and currently VP of Engineering at SoLo Funds. Previously they were AI Engineering Lead at a martech unicorn, Head of Engineering at a seed stage grocery startup, interim CTO at a big data startup, and an IC at several early-stage startups ranging from ecommerce to social media. They have been a career coach for 7 years. They hold several state records in power lifting.
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