Latest news with #UniversityofWestLondon
Hospitality Net
01-07-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Opening Minds, Opening Doors: Neurodiversity – The Talent Solution Hospitality Overlooks
As hospitality grapples with one of the worst staffing crises in recent memory, a compelling question arises: Are we truly looking everywhere for talent? A groundbreaking study from the University of West London reveals how simple workplace adjustments can unlock a massive talent pool while improving service for everyone. The hospitality industry faces its worst staffing crisis in decades. Yet while operators compete for an ever-shrinking pool of traditional candidates, new research suggests they are overlooking millions of talented individuals who could transform their businesses. Research conducted by Jayanti Jayanti, Senior Lecturer from the London Geller College of Hospitality and Tourism at the University of West London, interviewed 15 experts in neurodiversity employment in hospitality. Their findings challenge everything the industry thinks it knows about hiring and managing neurodivergent staff. Breaking the Rain Man Myth The research, led by Jayanti Jayanti, unpacks deep-rooted myths about neurodivergent employees. Too often, hospitality employers assume neurodivergent individuals must be exceptional to justify hiring them. As explained by one of the experts, misconceptions persist that neurodivergent individuals have low IQs, cannot socialise, or are only suited to repetitive tasks . The reality? Neurodivergent staff are ordinary individuals who process information differently. A person with autism might prefer written instructions; someone with ADHD may benefit from noise-cancelling headphones. These are not complex accommodations – and certainly not acts of charity. They are simple enablers unlocking powerful contributions. As one expert noted: Employment should not be treated as charity; neurodivergent individuals bring unique potential. Rethinking Recruitment Norms The study highlights how traditional interviews systematically screen out talented neurodivergent applicants. Requirements for eye contact, quick verbal responses, and 'bubbly' personalities unfairly disadvantage them. As the research notes, Employers often overlook skilled candidates who process questions differently or prefer structured communication . Forward-thinking operators are already shifting. Some now offer work trials instead of interviews, provide questions in advance, and use precise job descriptions instead of generic traits like 'people person.' The impact is twofold: improved inclusivity and better role fit. Small Adjustments, Big Returns One of the most striking findings is that changes designed to support neurodivergent staff often improve operations for everyone. For example, a hotel implemented colour-coded trays for breakfast dietary requirements to assist a neurodivergent team member who struggled with verbal instructions. This visual system made it instantly clear which meals went to which guests, eliminating confusion about special dietary requests. The result was remarkable: it "reduced errors across the whole breakfast service team," not just for the neurodivergent employee it was designed to help. The system eliminated confusion for the entire team, reducing service errors and enhancing guest satisfaction. Similarly, tablet-based housekeeping checklists introduced to support one employee ended up streamlining team workflows. Rotating roles between front and back office to prevent sensory overload also improved productivity and morale. The Cost Fallacy The perceived cost of adjustments remains a common barrier. Stigma often leads organisations to dismiss neurodiversity hiring, perceiving it as costly , one expert observed. Yet as the study shows, effective accommodations are rarely expensive: noise-dampening panels, written task lists, quiet break spaces, and consistent job rosters top the list. These changes benefit neurodivergent staff and improve working conditions for all. Guests Are Neurodiverse Too With one in seven people being neurodivergent, guests already include many individuals with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more. Adjustments like quiet hours with dimmed lights and lower music volumes, initially introduced for staff, have been welcomed by guests seeking calmer environments. As one of the experts observed, Having diverse thinking styles on the team helped us better understand and serve our diverse guest base . The cost was minimal, but the impact was significant. Changing Workplaces, Not People Crucially, the study reframes neurodiversity hiring as a workplace issue, not an individual problem. The biggest challenge is failing to address organisational culture first , one expert explained. Another identified how sensory issues are the biggest challenge - noise, smells, crowds, and bright lights can overwhelm neurodivergent individuals . Addressing these factors improves retention, satisfaction, and productivity across the board. Performance Beyond Expectations Employers shared powerful examples of neurodivergent staff excelling. One hotel noted a receptionist with autism who remembered guest preferences months later, elevating loyalty scores. An amazing memory for guest preferences from months ago , resulting in excellent guest satisfaction scores . Another described a maintenance team member spotting systemic plumbing issues overlooked by others. The research consistently found neurodivergent employees to be 'highly loyal, sensitive, and passionate about their work'. The Missed Opportunity Unemployment rates among neurodivergent individuals remain staggeringly high – 85-90% by some estimates. For an industry facing severe staff shortages, ignoring this talent pool is not just discriminatory but it is also poor business practice. The operators who recognise this opportunity first will gain a significant competitive advantage. The message is clear: embracing neurodiversity is not about ticking inclusion boxes. It is about rethinking outdated systems, unlocking hidden talent, and creating workplaces that work better for everyone. Those who move beyond fear and misconception to create truly inclusive workplaces will not only address their recruitment crisis but build stronger, more innovative businesses. Those who act now will gain the competitive edge – transforming their operations, their teams, and ultimately, the guest experience. For more information about implementing neurodiversity employment practices in hospitality, contact Jayanti Jayanti ([email protected]) at the London Geller College of Hospitality and Tourism, University of West London. Jayanti Jayanti Senior Lecturer, Hospitality Management University of West London
Khaleej Times
22-02-2025
- Science
- Khaleej Times
UWL RAK celebrates historic NASA Space Apps Challenge 2024 win
The University of West London (UWL) RAK branch campus recently celebrated the outstanding achievement of its BSc (Hons) Computer Science students, who made history by winning the 'Most Inspirational Project Award' at the 2024 NASA International Space Apps Challenge. Competing against 93,000 participants from 163 countries, the team's innovative project, 'Eco-Metropolis: Sustainable City Simulation', secured a prestigious global accolade. Eco-Metropolis is an interactive game designed to educate youth on sustainability, climate resilience, and smart city development. Through various levels tailored to different age groups, the game incorporates NASA datasets to provide a realistic and engaging platform for urban planning and resource management. The project aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, which focuses on creating sustainable, resilient cities. To honour this remarkable achievement, a felicitation ceremony was held on February 13 at DoubleTree by Hilton, Marjan Island, RAK. The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Dr Steve Reissig, executive director - RAK DOK, Dr William Ed Obryan, space affairs attaché, U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi, Zubair Ibrahim, co-chairman, UWL RAK, and Ahmed Rafi, co-chairman and CEO, UWL RAK. They were joined by delegates from Ras Al Khaimah Department of Knowledge, deans, deputy deans, delegates from UWL UK, school principals, UWL RAK faculty and staff, and proud parents, all of whom congratulated the winners and commended their exceptional innovation. Speaking at the event, the invited guests and dignitaries spoke about the importance of innovation and sustainability in education, highlighting the students' remarkable achievement as a milestone for UWL RAK. They emphasised how such accomplishments inspire future generations and strengthen the university's position as a hub for technological advancement. The UWL leaders expressed immense pride in the students' accomplishment, stating: "This achievement is a testament to the talent, dedication, and innovative spirit of our students. Winning this award on a global stage showcases UWL RAK's commitment to fostering future leaders in technology and sustainability." The winning team members, Rikzah Noorul Huda Khattal, Umamah Ali, Samira Rafiq Khan, and Shafeeqa Fathima Jahangir, were celebrated for their vision and dedication in transforming an idea into an internationally recognised project. UWL RAK continues to uphold its reputation as 'The Career University', empowering students with real-world experiences, industry-driven education, and a commitment to innovation.
Khaleej Times
30-01-2025
- Science
- Khaleej Times
University of West London RAK branch campus team wins prestigious award
A team of four final-year BSc (Hons) Computer Science students from the University of West London (UWL) RAK campus has made history by winning the Most Inspirational Project Award at the 2024 Nasa International Space Apps Challenge. Competing against 93,000 participants from 163 countries, the UAE team emerged victorious with their innovative project, 'Eco-Metropolis: Sustainable City Simulation' — marking the first-ever win of this esteemed award by a UAE team. The winning project, Eco-Metropolis, is an interactive city-building game designed to raise awareness among youth about sustainability, climate change, and smart city development. Featuring different levels tailored to various age groups, the game teaches players how to make informed decisions about urban planning, climate resilience, and resource management. By incorporating Nasa datasets, the game provides a realistic and engaging platform to educate players on these critical topics. The project aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, which focuses on building sustainable, resilient cities. The team, consisting of Rikzah Noorul Huda Khattal, Umamah Ali, Samira Rafiq Khan, and Shafeeqa Fathima Jahangir, combined their expertise in coding, game design, data analysis, and problem-solving to develop the educational game. They transformed an initial idea into a globally recognised project that addresses crucial environmental challenges. Shafeeqa discovered the Nasa Space Apps Challenge through LinkedIn, where a story about a previous participant inspired her to gather her friends. "When I came across the Nasa Space Apps Challenge on LinkedIn, I was inspired by a story of a woman from the UAE who had participated before. Even though her team didn't win, her experience stuck with me — it wasn't just about winning, but about using technology to tackle some of the world's biggest challenges. It made me wonder: What if we could do the same? That thought sparked the idea to bring my friends together. We weren't just looking for a win — we wanted to create solutions that could make a real difference," Shafeeqa said. The team credited their success to the invaluable mentorship of Mohamed Mahmoud and Bansan Thomas George, whose guidance helped refine their project, as well as support from NASA, the UAE Space Agency, and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre. The team also credited the entire faculty of UWL RAK for their encouragement. The team's achievement underscores the UAE's growing leadership in space innovation and environmental sustainability. This accomplishment highlights the UAE's commitment to fostering technology and innovation that tackles pressing environmental issues. The team's success brings global recognition to the UAE while reinforcing the country's dedication to advancing sustainability through groundbreaking solutions.
