Having neurodivergent people can provide companies with a competitive advantage that brings measurable benefits, both financially and in terms of organisational culture. Because neurodiverse people are wired differently from “neurotypical” people, they can bring new approaches to tackling problems or proposing solutions.
However, the neurodiverse population still has problems in finding a job. According to Harvard, unemployment is as high as 80 % and many of those who are employed are overqualified for their jobs.
“Unemployment is as high as 80% and many of those who are employed are overqualified for their jobs”
Just as everyone has, to some extent, different abilities, no two neurodiverse people are exactly alike. However, Autism at Work highlights the following advantages for companies that have neurodivergent profiles in their teams:
* 1. They think differently: they receive, process and interpret information differently and often solve problems in unconventional ways or consider approaches and possibilities that others might not.
* 2. They bring a unique perspective: Neurodiverse people often experience the world differently. Therefore, teams with such individuals are more likely to have a broader and deeper perspective that can translate into better designed products and services.
* 3. They are less likely to change jobs: this translates into a lower turnover rate and lower turnover costs. Provided the work environment is supportive and inclusive, a neurodivergent person is unlikely to look for other options because they’re comfortable in the routine and the daily.
* 4. They accept and understand diversity: by going through the differences they experience themselves, neurodiverse people often find it easier to accept and empathise with other human differences.
* 5. They can do any job: be it manual, organisational, creative or leadership-related. Neurodiversity does not limit people, it’s not a disability, but an opportunity for companies to have a diverse team focused on the best results.