The latest data from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce shows 9.9 million job openings in the U.S., but only 5.8 million unemployed workers. On top of that, workforce participation remains below pre-pandemic levels. There are nearly 2 million fewer Americans working today compared to February of 2020.
In other words: The jobs are there for the taking, but there aren’t enough people taking them. This is a complicated issue, and obviously, there isn’t a comprehensive solution that will magically fix everything overnight. However, prioritizing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts is a great start. Specifically, companies should research and consider the benefits of hiring neurodivergent talent.
Nearly 20% of the world’s population exhibits some form of neurodivergence. Given the current labor shortages, companies can no longer afford to ignore this talent pool. Industry giants like Microsoft, IBM and JPMorgan Chase & Co. have all implemented programs and initiatives that focus on hiring neurodiverse talent.
A few years ago, AT&T launched an internship pilot cohort with LaunchAbility Career Services at MyPossibilities, a program developed specifically for neurodiverse individuals.
“We’ve done our homework. We’ve taken time to learn what it means to create an inclusive workplace for people with autism and foster an appreciation for neurodiversity. Now, we feel prepared to execute on these strategies,” said Rick Wilson, director of Diversity & Inclusion at AT&T.
According to Anthony Pacilio, vice president of Neurodiverse Solutions at CAI, the most common barrier blocking companies from hiring more neurodivergent individuals is their lack of understanding the business benefits.
To counter that, here are six benefits your company will enjoy from hiring neurodiverse talent:
1
You’ll Improve Workplace Accommodations
Pacilio mentioned the importance of workplace accommodations to help neurodivergent employees integrate into team dynamics and thrive long term. These accommodations may include noise-canceling headphones, recorded meetings or modifying the office floor plan to reconsider desk placement.
In addition to the more commonly known workplace accommodations that are beneficial prior to hiring neurodivergent talent, Pacilio said neurodivergent employees tend to improve workplace cultures after they are hired because they introduce managers to new accommodations and innovations.
Additionally, leadership may realize that key accommodations, including uninterrupted work time, flexible schedules and job coaching, may boost productivity and improve morale for the entire staff.
2
You’ll Help the Economy
Analysis from Accenture shows that the U.S. GDP could get a boost of up to $25 billion if more persons with disabilities joined the labor force.
Your company’s bottom line will get a boost, too. A study from the Harvard Business Review concluded that neurodivergent employees can be up to 140% more productive than those that are neurotypical.
You’ll Gain a Competitive Advantage
Neurodiverse individuals interact with the world differently, and one of the keys to accepting neurodivergent talent in the workplace is realizing that “different” does not mean “wrong.”
In fact, neurodiversity can give companies a competitive advantage. Because neurodiverse people approach problems with singular skill sets and have unique ways to process information, they bring fresh and innovative perspectives to companies.
These new viewpoints can lead to improved problem-solving, heightened creativity when thinking about new business products and opportunities, and a positive influence on decision-making.
4
You’ll Enjoy Access to Specialized Skills
There is plenty of research that suggests neurodiversity is related to entrepreneurial cognition. One study’s results suggest entrepreneurs with ADHD demonstrate higher levels of entrepreneurial alertness and have a more intuitive cognitive style.
In addition to often demonstrating high levels of idea generation and elaboration, many neurodivergent individuals possess incredible attention to detail and the ability to focus on tasks that are considered mundane.
This combination of creativity, intuition and focus makes neurodivergent individuals excellent candidates for positions in many sectors, including tech, legal and healthcare. Also, adding these abilities to any team within an organization goes a long way toward filling skill gaps and improving productivity.
5
You’ll Expand Customer Outreach
As previously mentioned, neurodivergent employees contribute significantly to the creativity and innovation of a company. This often translates to new products and services, which lead to attracting new customers and diversified revenue streams.
Working with neurodiverse employees every day will also broaden your company’s understanding of neurodiverse customers. Neurodiverse individuals have distinctive insight into the needs and experiences of neurodiverse customer segments, making them uniquely positioned to lead your company into new marketing strategies and more informed approaches to customer service.
6
You’ll Promote a Culture of Belonging and Acceptance
According to a recent survey, 34% of neurodivergent respondents said they had trouble with the recruitment and interview processes. In another survey of neurodivergent workers, 51% said they want to quit their jobs or already have because they don’t feel valued or supported by their employer.
DEI doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a work in progress, and many companies are still struggling to adopt and implement policies that benefit neurodivergent workers. But a little can go a long way, and when your company shows initiative and prioritizes neurodiversity hiring, it sends a powerful message of inclusivity and acceptance.
When you support neurodiverse employees and recognize the strengths and unique traits they bring to your team, you promote a sense of belonging that does wonders for team morale and boosts employee engagement and productivity.
Shining a light on the unique abilities of neurodivergent workers provides tremendous benefits to companies. The Career Development Program at CLE exists to help students establish the skills they need to thrive in the workforce and contribute continuously to the long-term success of their employers.
If you are a company that wants to learn more about hiring neurodivergent workers, or if you know a talented neurodivergent individual who is eager to enter the workforce but needs some additional support, then let’s start a conversation.
