THRIVE

Neurodivergent individuals often face unrecognised challenges and a lack of awareness among stakeholders in workplace settings. This project aims to actively engage with neurodivergent employees – both those diagnosed and those who self-identify – to collaboratively map their challenges and identify effective strategies and adjustments to overcome these barriers.

This approach ensures that practical solutions are grounded in the real-life experiences of neurodivergent individuals across diverse work environments.

In the upcoming year, THRIVE plans to share effective strategies employed by neurodivergent employees through a specialised resource developed by the UK Young Academy, tailored specifically for both employers and employees. By raising awareness and providing actionable guidance, this initiative will promote more inclusive workplaces that cater to the needs of neurodivergent employees in the UK.

Key project outcomes include:

– Implement a quantitative survey to assess the productivity benefits of properly accommodating neurodivergent employees. This study will explore the impact of reasonable accommodations on overall job performance, and evaluate employees’ awareness of what is available as well as any barriers or delays to obtaining necessary workplace accommodations.

– Conduct one-on-one interviews with neurodivergent employees to gather insights into their lived experiences regarding the implementation of disability policies. This will involve identifying barriers they face, evaluating the effectiveness of existing policies, and documenting strategies or workplace adaptations they have used, including those deemed helpful or ineffective.

– Establish training and targeted resources for employees and educators, ensuring they have the skills necessary to effectively support neurodivergent individuals.

– Run a one-month consultation on the developed guidance, actively engaging with the UK Young Academy and stakeholders to gather feedback and ensure that all views are represented, ultimately refining the guidance to reflect diverse perspectives for its effectiveness.

Through widespread information sharing and targeted education for employers, this programme aims to support neurodivergent employees in realising their full potential while increasing the recruitment of neurodivergent talent across all sectors.

How to get involved:

In the coming months, the UK Young Academy will launch a survey and conduct one-on-one interviews to engage neurodivergent employees, whether formally diagnosed or self-identifying.

The survey invites participants to share insights into productivity impacts and experiences with workplace accommodations across different sectors, while the interviews aim to capture first-hand accounts of interactions with workplace policies and adaptations.

Those interested in contributing to this project are encouraged to get involved and share their perspectives.

If you would like to speak to a member of staff about this project, please email us at enquiries@ukyoungacademy.org.