Employers urged to provide sound-proof booths and mental health days
HR experts are suggesting that employers provide sound-proof working booths and designated mental health days off to support the emerging generation in the workplace. They recommend creating an environment where everyone can thrive by offering flexible work patterns, encouraging regular breaks, and providing mentorship programmes.
The study of 500 HR professionals, revealed that 77% are taking measures to ensure their workplaces are suitable for neurodivergent employees. It formed part of a report by Benenden Health. The company collaborated with Neurodiversity in Business to inform the report, highlighting what employers can do to support Generation Alpha as they enter the workforce.
Mike Hay, the chief people officer at the healthcare provider, stated: "It is important to understand and support neurodivergent individuals, including those within Generation Alpha, who will make up a growing part of the workforce.
"Communication is key. Creating space for open, two-way conversations where employees feel safe to disclose their needs is essential, especially for those who may have faced stigma in the past."
Dan Harris from the organisation added: "Due to greater awareness and recognition, Autism diagnosis has increased by almost 800% in 20 years and other neurodivergent diagnoses are also on the rise. Businesses of the future need to adapt to this and are set to fail if they don't bring in measures to support these individuals."
He added: 'These measures include increasing understanding, through condition-specific training for HR, managers, and colleagues of neurodivergent people."
He highlighted that it's important to encourage an environment which is accepting of different thinking styles, and recognises the unique strengths neurodivergent people can bring to the workplace if they are not forced into existing, rigid moulds.
To do this he encourages promoting open communication, regular breaks, and implementing flexible working patterns to accommodate the needs of the new generation.
Over 80% recognise the importance of these changes, suggesting that everyone needs to feel supported for better productivity and creativity. In the past year, over two-thirds have noticed an increase in employees advocating for reasonable adjustments in the workplace to meet their needs.
This sentiment is echoed in a separate survey of 500 teenagers aged 13-18, where six in 10 know someone who is neurodivergent, with 57% of those being their friends. When entering the workforce, 47% already know they would prefer to work for a company that supports neurodivergent employees.
Parents of the surveyed teenagers revealed that 52% of children openly discuss neurodiversity with them, with 21% doing so on a regular basis. More than half attribute this to increased national awareness and a desire to be more involved.
Mike added: "This report is more than research. It is a starting point for meaningful change. In the next five years, the workforce will be the most diverse it has ever been, and we need to acknowledge that it takes time to learn and adapt our workplaces and leadership styles to support everyone's needs."
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