Workplaces have changed a lot since the introduction of Human Resource departments following the Industrial Revolution. The term was first used by economist John R Commons is his 1893 book – The Distribution of Wealth.
Initially introduced as employment clerks, hiring daily workers their role grew to managing payroll, enforcing equality laws to now being a strategic part of any effective business.
Changes were gradual. The technology revolutions since dictate that change cannot be gradual.
Today large businesses have a raft of ED&I programmes, staff benefits and rewards, training, support with the critical thread of HR running throughout an employee’s journey with the business.
Are all workplaces, inclusive of both neurotypical and neurodivergent brains?
From what I see – the resounding answer is sadly ‘no’.
Since working professionally for the last 20 years in inclusivity, social mobility through empowerment and employment, I’ve worked collaboratively with all sizes of business and industries as well as individuals from all social economic backgrounds.
One critical piece of awareness training that seems to be missing is brain inclusivity.
Sounds a bit scary dosen’t it? So will other terminology – neurodivergent, neurotypical, Executive Functioning Delay, neuro affirmation – to name a few. However, awareness training demolishes perceptions replacing these with reality and action points.
The action needed can be very simple, cost free and inclusive for all staff.
What is the cost of not rolling out awareness training in this critical area?
Potentially:
- Increased sickness costs
- Loss of talent and replacement recruitment costs
- Negative impact on team and therefore, cohesion and productivity
- Risk to brand reputation
- Increased risk of Employment Challenge
- Uncapped disability discrimination compensation
As a certified ADHD Coach, I’ve delivered awareness training to managers to empower them to recognise how neurodivergence may show-up, how to approach and work with someone to give them the support they need as well as empower their team to feel included.
When delivering how to be an ally to team members, their feedback shared the content resonated with them, they gained tools and steps to use at work and home to be a true ally.
Finally, delivering 1:1 Coaching is life changing. People move from feeling stuck experiencing all sorts of emotions about how their neurodivergence shows up to discovering tools to tame it and flourish.
Here’s a few thoughts to consider for training within this area:
- Cost per head is cheaper than a robust lunch from a high end sandwich shop!
- Delivered virtually – minimises disruption to operations
- Team inclusion and cohesion increases
- Potential risks above diminish.
Yesterday was my first session of @LeanneMaskell’s brand new Neuro Affirmative course. With delegates joining from across the globe the word is spreading, the movement is rising.