The Neurodiverse Workplace: An Employer's Guide to Managing and Working with Neurodivergent Employees, Clients and Customers

by Victoria Honeybourne

Estimates suggest that up to 20% of employees, customers and clients might have a neurodivergent condition - such as dyslexia, autism, Asperger's, ADHD or dyspraxia - yet these individuals often struggle to gain and maintain employment, despite being very capable. This practical, authoritative business guide will help managers and employers support neurodiverse staff, and gives advice on how to ensure workplaces are neuro-friendly. The book demonstrates that neurodiversity is a natural aspect of human variation to be expected and accepted, rather than a deficit to be accommodated. Employer responsibilities are highlighted, including the 2010 Equality Act, and a range of strategies and policies are provided, including recruitment advice and the benefits of neurodiverse employees, along with advice on physical environments, interaction and communication, and working with clients and customers. This book is an ideal resource for all employers wanting to support and empower people with specific needs to help create a more inclusive workplace, benefiting both neurodiverse individuals and the companies employing them.

Genres: Nonfiction, Professional Development, Adhd, Autistic Spectrum Disorder

176 pages, Paperback

Published December 19, 2019

Reviews

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of useful information for working with colleagues and customers/clients that are neurodivergent. I liked the positive focus of the whole book that there are many things to do which benefit all folks, neurodivergent and "typical", without stigmatizing any subset. The author is writing from UK/British perspective so resources and legal advice are mostly pertinent to that region.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I’d read this a while ago. I found it very useful. It has a practical approach. The case studies were helpful and gave me a lot to think about. I’ve recommended this to a few people, especially as it doesn’t require an existing awareness of neurodiversity.

[blaisdell · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read with good advice. Dry, but instructional and comprehensive.

[Isabelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was hoping to learn more about workplace accommodations for people who are neurodiverse. Ultimately, it felt that it caters more to neurodiverse people on the higher-needs end of the spectrum, and less about neurodiverse people who are on the lower-needs end of it.

Now why would neurodiverse people on the lower-needs end of the spectrum need accommodations? Well, there are neurodiverse people who are better at observing details, there are neurodiverse people who have a better understanding of situations due to their attention to details, and so on. These neurodiverse people tend to have skills and traits in which neurotypicals would aspire to, yet these people also experiences setbacks and unpleasant memories from prior stereotyping and discrimination. These neurodiverse people also develop trauma from being their authentic self and would hold themselves back in the workplace in order to fit in.

I appreciate the book being a nice and short read, I appreciate too the checklists and tips on accomodations. On the other hand, by only addressing the negative aspects of neurodiversity, it strengthens the stereotype that neurodiverse people have negative traits. And it keeps the neurodiverse people with the positive traits in the shadows.

This is a personal review. I still believe that there are individuals who will definitely benefit from this book.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! The information in here is so vital - as a customer, as an employee, as an employer,as a human being. It's not JUST about catering to neurodivergents. The tips in this book could help neurotypicals too. Some things are so common that you just don't think of them right away, but of course they make sense when spelled out to you like this book does. It's so clear and concise. The layout is brilliant. It was easy to follow as someone who is both neurodivergent and clueless about neurodiversities. This will certainly help me in my management position in my nonprofit organization, and it will also help me help my Autistic husband so much more!

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple to read and gave some very practical tips. I enjoyed the case study examples and the notion that if reasonable changes don't affect the experience of others, then why not cater for the neurodiverse population? Although a number of conditions were discussed, it was noted that everyone has different needs and that we can't really use a blanket approach. I read this book in response to a challenging client I had who is autistic. I don't know how I would have handled the situation better, but I would have had more context on how to answer some of their questions regarding job applications and disclosing their condition.

[Luke · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for HR/personnel and managers in the modern workplace, but it would be helpful for almost anyone to read this. Even if you are aware of the neurodiversity approach to the brain, there's still a lot of helpful tips and examples that can be immediately applied to most work environments. While this book does speak to the rights of neurodiverse workers, the real wisdom here is in unlocking the skills and abilities in an underutilized population and cultivating a healthier, happier, and more productive work environment for all.

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book I got for work to do some further learning, which I will pass on to others.

Overall it was good and informative, if very dry.

My biggest overall quibble with it is that some of the examples given as being things that could be implemented to improve things for 'everyone' were not well considered. They were the exact opposite of what would be needed with people who are hard of hearing or have impaired sight.

I found that rather disappointing from someone who speaks of ensuring everyone can work better. Those examples could have been chosen better to truly be representative.

[Erin Garlock · Rating 2 out of 5]

I agree with the intent of the author, but the book was filled with logical fallacies and inconsistencies. For example, avoiding stereotypes is present throughout the material. However, the author provides a whole chapter of stereotypes, albeit positively intended - this is like saying "all Asian people are good at math". The book felt more like a crusade than an educational resource.

[Pug · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good and informative book, with useful advice and tips for managing/supporting neurodivergent individuals. Skim to the sections of most interest/relevance to you. And use the tips on "active listening" for EVERY employee!

(Also, for what it's worth, here are my personal suggestions: Manage the people you have. Support and mentor them with kindness. Get to know their strengths and interests, and allow them to exercise those as often as possible. Your job is to help them succeed at their job.)

[Jeanette Smith]

Great resource

Simple and practical guide to making environmental changes, simple adjustments to the workplace and how people can understand neurodivergence better.

[Ir Zatloukalova]

Practical tips for anyone trying to change their workplace to me more inclusive.