Neurodiversity in the UK: A Snapshot
Neurodivergence encompasses a variety of conditions such as:
- Autism
- ADHD
- Dyslexia
- Dyspraxia
- Tourette Syndrome
Despite their potential, neurodivergent individuals are significantly underrepresented in the workforce.
Neurodiversity in Business (NiB) is a business led forum that serves as a group for companies to share best practice in Neurodivergent recruitment, retention and empowerment. NiB reported that 15-20% of the UK population, which is approximately 13 million people, are neurodivergent. This means they display cognitive and learning styles that differ from the typical. This group includes around 700,000 individuals with conditions on the autism spectrum and two million with dyslexia.
Shockingly, only about 21.7% of autistic adults are employed, the lowest among various disabled groups, as highlighted by HRReview. This underrepresentation points to a pressing need for inclusive hiring practices.
These statistics are increasing, primarily due to more precise and inclusive diagnosis when people are being tested for Neurodiversity. For example, in the last twenty years, there has been a 787% increase in autism diagnoses and an 800% rise in ADHD medication prescriptions. Additionally, since the pandemic, there has been a significant rise in referrals for diagnosing neurodivergence.
Facing the Challenges: Discrimination and Lack of Awareness
Many neurodivergent individuals fear discrimination in the workplace, with 65% concerned about negative perceptions from management. This fear often prevents them from disclosing their conditions, which only perpetuates a cycle of misunderstanding and exclusion. A staggering 65% of managers admit to their lack of knowledge about neurodiversity, underscoring the urgent need for education and training in creating an inclusive workplace.
The Benefits of Neurodivergent Employees
Despite the challenges, a neurodivergent workforce brings unique strengths that can greatly benefit businesses:
- Innovation and Creativity: Their ability to see the world through a different lens often leads to innovative solutions that neurotypical individuals might overlook.
- Reduced Turnover: Tailored adjustments to accommodate neurodivergent employees can increase job satisfaction and reduce turnover rates, cutting down recruitment and training costs.
- Enhanced Problem Solving: Neurodivergent employees can offer new perspectives that enhance creative processes and improve solutions to complex problems, boosting productivity and effectiveness.
Making a Difference with Inclusive Recruitment
Research conducted by DiversityQ revealed that although 87% of technology leaders recognised neurodiversity as a crucial focus in 2023, only 21% had actually changed their recruitment processes to better support neurodivergent candidates.
To tap into this rich talent pool, companies must invest in inclusive recruitment practices. This not only increases applications from neurodivergent individuals but also enhances your company's corporate social responsibility and competitive edge. At Outsource UK, we are committed to making our work environment more inclusive for neurodivergent people, as shared in our blog on supporting people with neurodiversity in the workplace.
Spotlight on Leadership: Nick Dettmar, Neurodiversity Ambassador
Nick Dettmar, our dedicated Neurodiversity Ambassador, is passionate about creating an inclusive environment. As a parent of a dyslexic child, Nick understands the challenges and the immense potential that neurodiverse individuals bring to the table. By focusing on educational initiatives and advocacy, Nick aims to bridge the gap in understanding neurodiversity. Read more about Nick’s story and why he chose to become our Neurodiversity Ambassador.
It's time for all organisations to recognise the immense value of neurodivergent people. By embracing neurodiversity, companies can unlock innovative potential and drive significant growth. Find out more about our Talent Management Solutions and how we can help you grow your teams by attracting neurodiverse talent.
