Tag Archives: neurodiversity

Accountancy & Accounts, Business, Diversity & Inclusion

Embracing neurodiversity brings business benefits, says new ACCA report

  • New report shares stories of individuals who are neurodivergent within the accountancy profession and their experiences
  • Estimates that one in five members of the workforce are neurodivergent indicates a greater need for neuro-inclusive practices in all levels of business

Leading global accountancy body ACCA’s latest report ‘Neurodiversity in accountancy’ explores the growing awareness by employers that those who are neurodivergent have real value to bring to an organisation.

The report highlights targeted hiring programmes that have actively sought out neurodivergent talent to undertake roles.

It is estimated between 15 – 20% (or roughly one in five) of the population are neurodivergent. As a result, organisations have a responsibility to include and support neurodivergent individuals, creating workplace environments where everyone’s challenges are supported and strengths are celebrated, and where neurodivergent individuals can thrive.

The business benefits for organisations that embrace neurodiversity include:

  • Diverse thinking: neurodiversity brings unique viewpoints, problem-solving approaches, fresh ideas and innovative solutions.
  • Increased productivity: accommodations for neurodiverse individuals enhance overall productivity.
  • Talent attraction: focusing on building neuro-inclusive workplaces attracts candidates – especially Gen Z.
  • Talent retention: a neuro-inclusive environment fosters loyalty and reduces turnover.
  • Enhanced creativity: neurodiverse individuals often think ‘outside the box’.
  • Positive workplace culture: Employees feel respected and valued, leading to better morale.

 

The report shares stories of individuals who are neurodivergent within the accountancy profession and ultimately celebrates thinking differently, representing organisations as diverse as accountancy firms EY and Cooper Parry, recruitment firm Michael Page Malaysia, HMRC, and The Ritz London hotel.

Numerous benefits to organisations were cited, from brand recognition and winning new business, to accessing previously untapped talent pools. Bringing innovation, creativity and other valuable skills to the organisation was also recognised as a key benefit. Ultimately, a proactive approach in this area has an impact on creating value for an organisation, both financially and socially.

Report co-author Jamie Lyon, head of skills sectors and technology at ACCA, says: “Supporting neurodivergent employees is essential for creating an inclusive workplace and this doesn’t need to be complex. Often knowing where to start can be the biggest challenge. Organisations can approach neuro-inclusion at both an organisational and individual level. The aim for any organisation should be neuro-inclusive design, where possible adjustments and ways of working are part of standard practice and no longer need to be requested.”

Report co-author Tania Martin, Neuro-inclusion consultant at PegSquared: “With an estimated one in five of the workforce being neurodivergent, and more people willing to openly share their stories, it is becoming even more important that employers are proactive in understanding and building neuro-inclusive workplaces. So often we find what works for one, benefits so many. But broader than that, neurodiversity also impacts employers’ clients and customers. Having an understanding of neuro-inclusion can be a competitive advantage – harnessing neurodiversity is ultimately good for business.”

The research sought to understand the challenges neurodivergent individuals face at work and in education; their strengths; how organisations have implemented support at both the organisation and individual level; and thoughts about the future of neurodiversity at work.

It concludes with key recommendations for organisations to better support their neurodivergent employee community, from leadership buy-in and sponsorship, education and training opportunities, through to inclusive job descriptions and recruitment practices.

Read the report and access the employers’ guide here.

Visit ACCA’s website for more information.

News

Edinburgh to Host International Conference on Neurodiversity

Essential diary date for workplace professionals

A global conference advancing insights into neurodiversity is to be hosted in Edinburgh next spring.
It Takes All Kinds Of Minds – ITAKOM – will bring together HR professionals, practitioners, academics, the care sector and families, all providing insights into how better to understand and celebrate people’s differences and provide effective support where needed.
HR specialists will learn how to cultivate and support a neurodiverse workforce. Clinicians will explore how neurodiversity appears in our genes and brain cells and the implications for diagnosis health and daily life.
ITAKOM will profile the work of more than 50 speakers from around the world including experts on neurodiversity in the workplace, neuroscientists, clinicians and comedians, among them Edinburgh’s satirical impressionist Rory Bremner, a neurodiversity advocate after being diagnosed with ADHD.
The international event, on March 13 and 14, aims to foster a better understanding of all neurodevelopmental conditions and help to create more inclusive schools, workplaces and communities.
Academics will examine current challenges and the need for greater inclusivity. Community sessions will help delegates develop a deeper understanding of neurodiversity through a range of voices from every facet of life.
The event, both in-person and virtual, is organised by Scotland charity Salvesen Mindroom Centre whose Chief Executive Officer Alan Thornburrow says: “With 15-20% of the global population estimated to be neurodivergent, it has never been more important for us to understand more about neurodiversity and how we can design better and more inclusive systems.
“By partnering with Mindroom and championing neuroinclusion in the workplace, delegates can demonstrate their commitment as an organisation that is genuinely seeking to make progress. Not only do we see neurodiversity in the workplace population, but equally with parents and carers of neurodivergent young people. By supporting employees, employers can make a tangible and positive impact to staff and their families.”
He argues that “diversity of thought needs to become much more central to business strategy – in the same way, that issues like gender equality and mental health have become integrated over the last decade. Embracing neurodiversity is key to that”.
“It takes all kinds to solve the biggest problems of our times. By working together, we can help employers build a person-centred approach in which neurodiversity is embraced and no mind is left behind.”
Workplace sessions will include the following:
• Creative Careers – Lotta Borg Skoglund, Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Uppsala University, Sweden on ‘ADHD in the Workplace’ and Charlotte Garnett, Anti-Anxiety jewellery designer on ‘Handling It’ her own experience as a successful entrepreneur
• Neurodiversity and the Law – Mandy Lawrie, Head of Employment Division at Burness Paull LLP
• Diversity in Neurodiversity – Dr Nick Walker, one of the world-leading thinkers on neurodiversity and a Professor of Psychology at California Institute of Integral Studies, USA, on the parallels between the neurodiversity movement and other rights-based social justice movements
• ADHD & Me – Rory Bremner on how ADHD has shaped his life and work
• Employer Panel – Chaired by Mindroom with panellists from the organisation’s Neuroinclusion at Work programme who will share their journey around approaches to neurodiversity in the workplace
For more information on ITAKOM and neurodiversity in the workplace go to https://itakom.org/workplace/