Why Hire a Neurodiverse Workforce?

"Because neurodiverse people are wired differently from “neurotypical” people, they may bring new perspectives to a company’s efforts to create or recognize value. At HPE, neurodiverse software testers observed that one client’s projects always seemed to go into crisis mode before a launch. Intolerant of disorder, they strenuously questioned the company’s apparent acceptance of the chaos. This led the client company to realize that it had indeed become too tolerant of these crises and, with the help of the testers, to successfully redesign the launch process. At SAP, a neurodiverse customer-support analyst spotted an opportunity to let customers help solve a common problem themselves; thousands of them subsequently used the resources he created."

Excerpts from the article:

"My company, Spectrum Designs, chooses to see things differently. Our majority neurodiverse team has made me rethink the often-repeated phrase about thinking alike.  Having a neurodiverse workforce has proven crucial for both the business and employees alike.

Loyalty

A major problem that many employers have been experiencing in the last few years is what is now being called the Great Resignation, with over 38 million people quitting their jobs in 2021 alone. This is a problem that an employer is less likely to face with an autistic employee. According to Training Industry, employers who have opened their doors to a neurodiverse workforce have found that autistic employees have a retention rate upward of 90%.

Still, adults on the autism spectrum face high unemployment rates, although many would be eager and able to use their talents to the benefit of someone’s business. Unfortunately, many employers aren’t willing to give them a chance due to their preconceived notions about autism, creating a loss for both the employee and the employer.

Out of Spectrum Designs' 70 employees, 44 identify as being on the autism spectrum. We have seen an average year-over-year growth rate of 30% over the last 11 years, making us proof that a neurodiverse workforce can not only sustain, but grow a business.

Boosting Company Culture

Hiring and including a neurodiverse workforce can drastically improve the culture of a work environment.

My team and I pride ourselves on our culture. Some of our employees will happily begin breaking out into song or dance, others will always have a new joke or a compliment to brighten your day. True inclusion and acceptance of who people are creates a safe and judgment-free environment, allowing everyone to be themselves at work. 

Boosting Company Image

Developing a neurodiverse workforce doesn’t only boost a company’s internal image, it also boosts how the company is viewed from the outside. When a brand has a strong purpose consumers are four times more likely to trust the company, and six times more likely to defend the company from criticism.

Vice Media Group, in collaboration with Razorfish, found that 82% of consumers say that the brands they buy stand for a greater social purpose. By valuing diversity and opening your business's doors to a neurodiverse population, you can simultaneously boost your company image and make your workplace more appealing to incoming applicants.

Professionalism

People on the autism spectrum are known to be some of the most reliable when it comes to following the rules of professionalism. This can make them invaluable resources to an organization where workers are expected to perform a set number of tasks. A set structure can be comforting to people on the spectrum, making it unlikely that an autistic employee will take advantage of your trust.

Conclusion

As you can see, hiring a neurodiverse workforce can have benefits for you, your customers and your employees. As society continues to move forward, diversity and inclusion will continue to be major themes. Furthermore, the biggest problems of our time will require an acceptance that great minds are everywhere, and they’re probably not all thinking alike.