Accommodations and Understanding Neurodiversity at Work Pt 1 | Business and Culture Ep 6

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05/31/24 • 34 min

We're really cooking now! Last week on the Podcast, Mat and Shawna had a great discussion about Neurospiciness (Neurodivergence) in the Workplace. They talked about all the different ways Neurodiversity can show up and the challenges and opportunities it brings.

This week, we're getting into how employers can support their Neurospicy employees and get the most out of them. We talk about all things neurodiversity in the workplace, like dyslexia, ADHD, and autism, and why it's important to understand neurodiversity and make accommodations.

Getting down to the practical side of office accommodations, not just theories, we'll tackle the barriers and challenges that come with providing accommodations, like when it might not be possible, while also making sure accommodations don't lead to discrimination against employees.

Neurodivergent individuals face many challenges in traditional hiring processes. Applying online and attending interviews can be tough for some of them. Our experts will share some tips and strategies for effective communication and give you some simple tips that can be made to accommodate neurodivergent individuals and allow interviwers to ask tough questions without getting into hot water.

Hopefully by the end of the podcast, we'll have given you a little insight into how to create an environment that brings out the best in all job seekers and employees. By Encouraging people with diverse backgrounds to challenge the status quo in the business world, and finding and supporting exceptional talent, no matter who they are, we hope to foster an environment that allows individuals to excel outside of the usual boundaries of the traditional office.

TIMESTAMPS

Office Accomodations: Pracrical Implementation and Considerations (01:00)
Accomodating Deurodivergent Individuals in the Hiring Process (02:32)
Creating an Inclusive Environment for Diverse Perspectives (05:09)
Challenges in Assessing Candidates' Abilities in Short Interviews (06:13)
Creating a Welcoming Interview Environment (08:12)
Exploring Remote and Hybrid Work Policy (09:42)
Impact of Remote Work on Team Culture (11:28)
Promoting Workplace Relationships (14:10)
Understanding and Optimizing Employee Potential (16:20)
Creating a Conducive Work Environment for Neurospicy Individuals (17:22)
Neurodiversity and Team Performance (19:00)
Different Learning Styles and Effective Communication (23:08)
Encouraging Employee Performance (27:57)
Creating Diverse and Inclusive Environments (31:46)
Podcast Update: (32:46)

TIMESTAMPS

Previous Episode

Neurospiciness in the Workplace | Business and Culture Ep 5

Ready to spice things up? If you've been keeping up with social media, you know that neurodivergence (or as we like to call it, neurospiciness) is one of the hottest topics online right now. So this week on The Mindbuffs Podcast, we're starting a new series called Neurospiciness in the Workplace. Our goal is to help create inclusive work environments where people with neurodiversity can thrive. In this episode, we'll be discussing disabilities commonly seen in workplaces, such as ADHD, dyslexia, autism, and OCD.

Understanding neurodiversity can be complex and it's an ongoing learning process. And, while you can reference credible sources like Google Scholar for more information, HR personnel may not always have the same level of knowledge and support as an expert in the field.

Raising awareness is an important step when educating employees and employers on how to improve work-life balance for these neurospicy individuals. For example, a study by JP Morgan showed that people diagnosed with Autism work 48% faster and are 140% more productive than their neurotypical peers. Unfortunately, the National Autistic Society reports that 85% of autistic adults are unemployed or underemployed.

Understanding is key to challenging the stigma surrounding mental health and neurodiversity. Once we understand the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals, such as feeling different and the anxiety that can come from the extra effort required by some people to meet educational and work expectations. This can leave people feeling overwhelmed. Additionally, many people hide their conditions to avoid judgment.

Let's overcome the stigma attached to Neurospiciness and recognize everyone's unique strengths. Finding passion and support in your work or education is crucial. Employers, check in with your staff or employees to identify their interests and strengths. Let's break down the barriers and prioritize our mental health, at home, in public spaces, and in our workplace.

TIMESTAMPS

Understanding Neurodiversity in the Workplace (01:04)
Commonly Seen Disabilities in the Workplace (02:42)
Canadian Discrimination Laws (03:16)
Challenges Faced by Neurodivergent Individuals (05:15)
Link Between ADHD and Misdiagnosed Depression (06:59)
Hiring People with Different Perspectives (09:14)
Unique Thinking / Creativity Among People with ADHD (13:43)
Clinical Therapy in Business (14:32)
Understanding Dyslexia: Beyond Flipped Letters (15:36)
Dyslexia and Autism: Unique Strengths and Stigma (17:33)
Understanding Autism Spectrum (18:37)
Neurospiciness and Giftedness (22:57)
Neurodiversity in the Workplace (25:08)
Balancing Perspectives and Decision-Making (28:06)
Discussion on Athletes' Mental Health (30:02)
OCD and its Misconceptions (31:28)
Identifying Ideal Team Members (33:25)
Passion and Neurodiversity (34:57)
Practical Tools for Embracing Neurodiversity in the Workplace (36:36)

Next Episode

Accommodations and Understanding Neurodiversity at Work Pt 2 | Business and Culture Ep 7

Continuing their chat about tangible accommodations for neurodiverse employees, Mat and Shawna dive into the science of neurodiversity. Are we all neurodiverse, or has social media taken over the world of medicine? This episode offers additional tools for you to use or gain a better understanding of, giving a glimpse into the mind of the neurodiverse.

Expanding on the previous episode, we go deeper into strategies that can be put into action. We'll share some tools and insights aimed at benefiting employees, employers, teachers, students, and a variety of environments.

Between work-from-home/hybrid options to open office layouts and bullpens, office life can come in all forms these days. Some people love the freedom of choice, but for some neurodiverse individuals, all these options can come with their own set of challenges. We look at how companies can have conversations with employees to find unique solutions that balance the company's culture and individual needs while promoting a positive company culture. It could be as easy as providing employees with a dedicated workspace or a quiet corner to help them focus and reduce anxiety.

Neurodivergent individuals may experience heightened sensitivity and intensity compared to neurotypical individuals. This sensitivity can contribute to their ability to excel and reach high levels of skill and even genius. For example, it is often their increased sensitivity that allows them to intensely focus on their passions. We explore some other ways employers can create work environments that minimize distractions and support the productivity of neurodivergent individuals.

From dress codes and fluorescent lights, to effective communication and the Pomodoro technique for sustained focus, join us as we delve ever deeper into the fascinating topic of Accommodating and Understanding Neurodiversity in the Workplace.

TIMESTAMPS

Practical Tips for Workplace Diversity (00:08)
Different Preferences for Office Workspaces (01:02)
Addressing Anxiety in Hybrid Work Environments (02:32)
Sensitivity and Neurospicy People (03:26)
Sensory Friendly Workplace (05:14)
Healthy Lifestyle and Sensory Environment (06:00)
Avoiding Interuptions in the Workplace (06:54)
Effective Communication with Diverse Teams (07:38)
Distractions while WOrking From Home (08:20)
Tips for Parents of Neurodivergent Kids (08:59)
Understanding and Addressing Sensory Proccessing
Disorders (10:37)
Neurodiversity and Evolution (11:22)
Sensory Proccessing and Professional Attire (12:03)
Pomodoro Technique and Focus Breaks (15:02)
Optimizing Focus and Productivity (18:18)
Training Management to Handle Situations (20:54)
Psychologiical and Cultural Needs Analysis for Business (21:41)
Differentiate Tik Tok ADHD from Genuine ADHD (22:46)
Time Management Strrategies for Neurospicy Individuals (29:45)
Addressing Frustration in the Workplace (31:25)
Managing Work Environment (34:39)
Understanding Neurodiversity in Decision Making (35:29)
Impact of Technology on Decision Making (36:26)
Tips for Decision Making (38:39)
Effective Communication in the Workplace (39:37)
Exploring Neurodiversity and its Impact on Performance (43:48)Creators & Guests