Tees Business Issue 36 | Page 77

NEWS

Empowering employers

to support neurodivergent women in the workplace

In its continuous pursuit of fostering inclusivity in the workplace , the charity Daisy Chain has identified a critical gap in understanding the experiences of neurodivergent women , particularly in relation to autism .

Historically , research has primarily focused on males , leading to a lack of correct diagnoses for women and subsequently leaving them bereft of the necessary support linked to their neurodivergent needs .
As a response , Daisy Chain is dedicated to assisting Tees Valley employers in comprehensively addressing the unique needs of their current and future female neurodivergent workforce .
Daisy Chain CEO Neeraj Sharma says : “ To truly create an inclusive workplace , it is essential that the entire company understands and embraces neurodiversity .
“ By integrating this awareness into organisational values we can pave the way for more inclusive practices that cater to the diverse needs of our workforce .”
To overcome challenges stemming from this historical oversight , organisations can work with Daisy Chain to proactively prioritise enhanced awareness of neurodiversity across all staff levels .
The charity says this is particularly crucial in the following areas :
Clear work expectations Incorporating neurodiversity understanding into organisational values is key for more inclusive practices . This covers a range of aspects of a role , including expectations , reviews of performance , task and finish , how people prefer to receive information ( for example , in person or via email ), and how changes within the organisation are communicated .
Adaptability to change Daisy Chain advocates for comprehensive training for HR teams and decision-makers on managing and timing change . Fostering an understanding of neurodivergent perspectives within the entire workforce at every level can facilitate smoother transitions .
Inclusivity – Daisy Chain ’ s experienced team offers a range of training opportunities to employers .
Sensory considerations The importance of heightened awareness of sensory needs among all staff cannot be underestimated . Start with considering sensory needs across the workforce for neurodivergent and neurotypical employees and examining how environments can be adapted to best support people on an individual basis .
By engaging with Daisy Chain ’ s commitment to training and support , Tees Valley employers can position themselves as leaders in creating workplaces that actively integrate neurodivergent understanding across the company .
Daisy Chain ’ s guidance encourages investing in enhanced autism awareness and knowledge at all levels , marking a proactive step towards an inclusive environment that benefits everyone involved .
To find out more about Daisy Chain ’ s training , contact its experienced team by emailing training @ daisychainproject . co . uk .
The voice of business in the Tees region | 77