Mel Houser, M.D., Executive Director, All Brains Belong VT (12/1/2023)
What is neuroinclusive employment?
At least 1 in 5 people learn, think and/or communicate differently than the so-called “typical” brain (which isn’t actually “a thing”). Some folks have certain diagnoses such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, traumatic brain injury, etc. But many do not. Neurodivergent employees who know they are neurodivergent may not disclose (due to stigma and perceived risk of disclosure) — but also, many neurodivergent employees may not identify as such.
This is why we advocate for zooming out and thinking about creating workplace culture and practices that allow people with all types of brains to thrive. Neuroinclusive employment benefits everyone.
Why does “neuroinclusion” matter?
At a time when so many employers are struggling to fill positions and retain employees, failing to take a close look at culture and practices that impact the ways in which people receive information, communicate, and get their work done may indeed be a missing piece of the equation. When employees get their needs met, they are much less likely to quit their jobs. Turnover is expensive.
Neuroinclusion Benefits Everyone
In our trainings, All Brains Belong provides employers with a framework and practical strategies for adapting environments and routines to create workplaces where all people can get their needs met and thrive.
Learning about neurodiversity — that is, understanding the ways that people think, learn and communicate benefits everyone. Not only does this allow employers to recruit and retain a broader talent pool, but also this improves the experience of current employees. This lens provides a way to make sure that all employees can get their needs met to do their best work. This also improves team communication and perspective-taking. And, of course, this also reduces employee burnout — and, accordingly, turnover.
Considerations for Neuroinclusive Employment
We all have different needs. Different brains have different needs. By learning about the common ways in which brains process information, learn, navigate instructions, communicate, manage tasks, etc., this provides a framework from which to build workflows and routines where folks can understand one another AND improve team performance.
Through All Brains Belong VT’s Neuroinclusive Employer Brightspotting Program and through our own employment support programs, we have been able to understand practical considerations for what contributes to the experiences of employees feeling like they get their needs met. This includes considerations about the physical environment, communication style, flexibility vs. structure, autonomy vs. support, workflows and routines, workplace culture, and more.
How Can Employers Learn More?
All Brains Belong provides no-cost educational resources for employers to learn more about neurodiversity. Every month (3rd Tuesday of the month), our Brain Club program is devoted to employment matters. All the employment-related Brain Clubs dating back to Jan 2022 are available at no cost on our website. We also regularly provide neuroinclusive employment content on our social media platforms. For those looking to take a deeper dive, we also offer live interactive virtual educational trainings.
Summary
At least 20% of the population learns, thinks and/or communicates differently than the defaults of society. Neuroinclusive employment strategies create workplace environments for people with all types of brains to thrive, and affirm all aspects of identity. When people feel like they belong, they’re less likely to quit their jobs. Win, win.
About Us
All Brains Belong VT is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization building a healthier community for people with all types of brains. We do this through neurodiversity-affirming medical care, social connection, employment support and educational programs.