Birkman created the BirkmaND report: Powering My Success at Work to address the alarmingly high unemployment rates among neurodivergent individuals, which are largely driven by the lack of proper workplace accommodations. Currently, adults with ADHD are more likely to be unemployed or earn 17% less than their neurotypical counterparts (Varanasi, 2021), and a staggering 85% of individuals with autism are unemployed (Palumbo, 2021). These statistics highlight a critical issue: without the right accommodations and support in the workplace, neurodivergent individuals face significant barriers to employment. Given that approximately 15-20% of the U.S. population is neurodivergent (Doyle, 2020), addressing the lack of workplace accommodations is essential to reducing these troubling unemployment rates.
At Birkman, we are dedicated to helping organizations reach their full potential. By supporting organizations in understanding the needs of their neurodivergent employees, we enable them to attract and retain top talent, drive innovation and strengthen their teams. Research indicates that neurodiverse teams provide a competitive advantage by bringing unique perspectives, creativity, and problem-solving skills that are critical for organizational success (Austin & Pisano, 2017; Beetham & Okhai, 2017). By embracing neurodiversity, organizations can foster innovation and better achieve long-term success.
This report is designed to equip neurodivergent individuals with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate workplace accommodations, enabling them to thrive professionally and contribute their unique strengths to the workforce. Many employees are unaware of the range of accommodations available to them, which can make initiating these conversations with their managers challenging. As such, this report serves as a starting point for a conversation about accommodations. It helps identify specific accommodations that employees can request, empowering them to advocate for accommodations that would support their success at work. Additionally, all accommodations outlined in this report are either free or cost-effective, ensuring no undue financial burden is placed on the employer.
The Powering My Success at Work report is organized into five sections, each focusing on a specific area of workplace accommodations designed to enhance inclusion and boost productivity. These areas— Communication, Relational, Time Management, Organization and Planning, and Sensory—were chosen because they address common challenges that neurodivergent individuals often face in the workplace. Each of these areas plays a critical role in supporting neurodivergent employees by addressing potential barriers to success, ensuring they have the tools and resources to perform at their best. By implementing these accommodations, organizations can create more accessible and supportive work environments where neurodivergent individuals can
fully engage and contribute their unique talents. Ultimately, these accommodations featured in the Powering Your Success at Work report help break down obstacles, empowering individuals to thrive in their roles and enhance the overall productivity and inclusivity of the workplace.
References
Austin, R. D., & Pisano, G. P. (2017). Neurodiversity as a competitive advantage. Harvard Business Review, 95(3), 96-103.
Beetham, J., & Okhai, L. (2017). Workplace dyslexia & specific learning difficulties— Productivity, engagement and well-being. Open Journal of Social
Sciences, 5(6), 56-78.
Doyle, N. (2020). Neurodiversity at work: a biopsychosocial model and the impact on working adults. British Medical Bulletin, 135(1), 108.
Palumbo, J. (2021, April 27). Why Autism Speaks is encouraging companies to hire those on the autistic spectrum. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/jenniferpalumbo/2021/04/27/why-autism-speaks-is- encouraging-companies-to-hire-those-on-the-autistic-spectrum/
Varanasi, A. (2022, May 6). Can medications help in lowering unemployment rates among people with ADHD? Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/anuradhavaranasi/2022/05/06/can-medications- help-in-lowering-unemployment-rates-among-people-with-adhd
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