Neurodiversity in the Workplace: Conceptual and Practical Insights for Increasing Neurodiversity Inclusion (Research in Organizational Science)

Neurodiversity in the workplace is an increasingly important topic with critical implications for the workforce. However, organizations still struggle to support neurodivergent employees. The following chapters explore the challenges and opportunities associated with neurodiversity at work by presenting different perspectives on neurodiversity in organizations.

The authors provide an overview of how organizations can better support neurodivergent employees, particularly those with Autism and ADHD. These chapters address structural barriers, recruitment and hiring practices, and disclosure for neurodiverse employees. The chapters also offer practical recommendations for workplace accommodations and emphasize the need for organizational changes to support a more inclusive workplace culture. Ultimately, the insights presented in these chapters look to bridge the gap between science and practice, providing a roadmap for creating workplaces that not only value, but empower neurodiverse talent.

The collective insights from these chapters highlight interventions for organizations to consider for developing a career-long inclusive culture and improving person-organization fit for neurodiverse employees. From recruitment and hiring processes that accommodate different communication styles, to leadership development programs that foster neurodiverse workers, the authors provide clear evidence that workplaces are able to move beyond awareness of neurodiversity (i.e.., the “fitting in” form of person-organization fit) to taking meaningful steps towards an inclusive culture for neurodiverse employees across a career (i.e., the “doing well” form of person-organization fit).

The goal of this volume, Neurodiversity in the Workplace, is not only to call attention to the experience of neurodivergent individuals at work, but also to highlight methods for organizations and employees seeking to support neurodivergent individuals at work to use.

Daniel J. Svyantek is a Professor in the Psychology Department of Auburn University, USA.