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Source: The post is based on the article “India Inc. needs a neurodiverse workplace” published in The Hindu on 26th September 2022
What is the News?
According to a study, organizations embracing neurodiversity enjoy a competitive edge in several areas such as efficiency, creativity and culture.
What is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity in the workplace refers to including people with neurodivergent conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorders, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia and Asperger’s Syndrome.
Harvard Health Publishing defines neurodiversity as a notion that every person interacts and experiences their surroundings differently; there is no right way of thinking, learning, or/and behaving. These differences should not be construed as defects or disorders.
Why is Neurodiversity important?
According to a recent report, nearly 2 million people in India suffer from this neurological and developmental disorder and are therefore identified as autistic.
Another study by Deloitte estimates that nearly 20% of the world is neurodiverse.
In the U.S., it is estimated that 85% of people on the autism spectrum are unemployed compared with 4.2% of the overall population.
Hence, there is an urgency to create a work environment that welcomes neurodiverse individuals.
How can we foster neurodiversity in the workplace?
Stigma, a lack of awareness, and a lack of appropriate infrastructure (such as office setup or staffing structures) can cause the exclusion of people with neurodevelopmental differences.
Understanding and embracing neurodiversity in communities, schools, healthcare settings and workplaces can improve inclusivity for all people.
