But what does that mean for colleagues who are neurodiverse? For workers who are sensitive to change in their environment, how can you make sure you have these people’s needs met? Learn more about your neurodiverse colleagues and what others are doing to support them as our Cambridge community returns to the ‘workplace’.

Do you have colleagues who think differently?

Autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD etc are natural forms of different brain wiring (neurodivergence).  Current research suggests 1 in 8 people are neurodiverse in the general population (Based on research by Prof Amanda Kirby). The strengths of neurodivergent workers such as problem-solving, deep focus, analytical insight and spatial thinking, place them in valuable roles in our organisations.

Alongside these strengths, neurodiverse people find elements of the work environment challenging.  Often, they use coping strategies to help them carry out their work.  As a result, they can feel more disrupted by changes in their environment.

In the last year, working from home has been shown to bring them some real benefits – control of their environment, fewer distractions, extra time, less commuting. There have also been challenges for some around communication, being cut off from social interaction and the need to interact online.

Now the vaccine program is making a return to office environments possible, what does this mean for them?  How can you support your neurodiverse colleagues with change?  Of all the happenings in 2020, one of the core dilemmas emerged for employers was whether to shift to more of a ‘work from anywhere’ culture or whether to encourage people to get back to a normal of ‘being in the office’. Research suggests that whatever choice you make, any change may have a far bigger impact on neurodiverse colleagues.

Kelly Drewery, Business Psychologist at Talent Glue and Nathan Whitbread at The Neurodivergent Coach will facilitate a discussion about the dilemmas facing employers and neurodivergent people.

To attend:

Cambridge Network members may attend free of charge (check for full membership in our Directory https://www.cambridgenetwork.co.uk/directories/).

Book Now:  https://www.cambridgenetwork.co.uk/civicrm/event/register?id=27859&reset=1 

Alternatively, please drop sara.baxter@cambridgenetwork.co.uk an email and she will book you on.

Non-members may also attend this session at a fee of £10+VAT. You may wish to join as a member from £50+VAT and come along to many other events for free or at member rates!
https://www.cambridgenetwork.co.uk/membership