NEWS
BRIEFING Keep up to date with the latest news surrounding the role of the EA
Time to put neuroinclusion on the agenda
Evidence from the likes of McKinsey , Boston Consulting Group , Harvard Business Review and others show higher levels of innovation , productivity , reduced turnover and much more beyond can be achieved by creating truly inclusive workplaces . And with one in five people estimated to be neurodivergent , there is an opportunity to unlock talent , enable progression and usher in a new era in widening access to the labour market , according to Salvesen Mindroom Centre , a charity that champions all forms of neurodiversity and supports all kinds of minds .
Salvesen Mindroom Centre , which will soon issue a best practice guide , believes EAs are perfectly placed to support and champion neurodiversity on the workplace , using well-honed tact , diplomacy and people skills .
It ’ s a minefield You may even already have some experience of neurodiversity at work but are unsure how to handle the situation . It can be a minefield , especially if the worker concerned hasn ’ t openly declared their neurodiversity . So how can you navigate this sensitively and support colleagues effectively ?
Jill Somerville , PA to Alan Thornburrow , CEO of Mindroom , has direct experience of this . Alan has been very open about his lived experience of neurodiversity and periods of mental ill health . He both accepts his own limitations and is aware of his strengths and how his neurodivergent thinking can add creativity , innovation and strategic thinking to the organisation . Jill now knows instinctively where she can add support .
She says : “ My philosophy is to treat everyone as an individual with individual needs . In some cases , I am aware of a colleague being neurodiverse and on occasions , I am not . Every new relationship requires learning to better understand the person you are supporting and I ’ ve been privileged to
16 Executive PA | Summer Issue 2025