Managing in a Neurodiverse Workplace

Course Description

Businesses are increasingly understanding the value of a diverse workforce. Neurodiversity, the range of variations in how individuals think, learn, and process information, is one of those important workforce characteristics. Our workforce includes a significant percentage of individuals—between 15 and 20 percent by most estimates—who identify as being neurodivergent. This can include diagnoses such as ADHD, autism, learning disorders, and more.  Some fields that have a particularly high representation of neurodivergent individuals include tech and IT, creative industries, science and research, and healthcare. So how can businesses support these skilled and talented workers—including military veterans and many others—in ways that leverage their strengths, maximize their value to their workplaces and to themselves, and foster innovation and diverse problem-solving approaches?

This class on Managing a Neurodiverse Workplace will help managers understand the opportunities for greater workplace creativity and cohesiveness by supporting and retaining neurodivergent workers and encouraging a workplace culture where differences are celebrated and appreciated.

Learner Outcomes

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

• Define neurodiversity and related terms, identify common diagnoses or traits that contribute to neurodiversity, and describe the benefits and challenges associated with neurodiversity in the workplace.
• Explain the variety of strategies that could be implemented to create an inclusive work environment for neurodivergent employees, including policies and practices that support neurodiversity.
• Apply knowledge gained through this course to address typical, real-world challenges that may present in neurodiverse workplaces.
• Support positive and inclusive attitudes towards neurodiversity that respond to personal biases and misconceptions and learn how to create/maintain a neuro affirming environment.
  
  

Course Outline

Lesson 1: Introduction

• Defining neurodiversity - Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in human brain function, encompassing a range of differences in sociability, learning, attention, mood, and other mental functions
• Identifying neurodivergent conditions - such as anxiety disorders, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, dyslexia, PTSD, TBI, and others, focusing on common characteristics and traits.
• The business case for neurodiversity in the workplace - how neurodivergent individuals often bring unique perspectives and creative solutions to the workplace

Lesson 2: Neurodiversity Basics

• The science of neurodiversity - how neurodivergent brains function differently
• Personal perspectives - experiences from neurodivergent individuals provide real-life context
• Common misconceptions about neurodiversity - debunking myths about neurodiversity; how to recognize and reduce biases and stigma in the workplace

Lesson 3: Inclusion Strategies for Managers

• Dimensions of neurodivergence needs – categories of needs: sensory, communications, executive functions and processing differences, social environment
• Creating an inclusive environment – modifications to physical environment, communication methods, offering flexibility in work arrangements
• Inclusive policies and practices – reasonable accommodations, recruitment and onboarding practices, performance management fairness, career growth opportunities

Lesson 4: Practical Applications Through Case Studies

• Examples of neurodiversity initiatives – successes such as at SAP; falling short at other companies and explaining why
• Workshopping an inclusion plan – group activities that focus on design of processes, to incorporate an inclusion plan, for job roles that leverage the unique skills of neurodivergent individuals

Lesson 5: Overcoming Challenges

• Mitigating biases and stigmas – exploring and overcoming common myths and biases
• Conflict resolution and support – practicing conflict resolution techniques in small groups via discussions and role playing