By fostering a supportive environment tailored to these differences, businesses can not only enhance productivity but also nurture an authentic culture of empathy and understanding.
The Importance of Communication
Effective communication is the backbone of any successful workplace. However, for neurodivergent employees, traditional communication methods may not always be the most comfortable or productive. Understanding individual preferences and accommodating them is essential.
Amy Lockwood, Proudly Autistic Co-Founder of Email Signature Rescue, shared her perspective on LinkedIn:
Being #latediagnosed as #autistic in my 40s has led to me making some big work-life balance changes. I now prefer to communicate via emails, text, and chat over in-person meetings and telephone calls. Actually, I’ve always preferred this; I just didn’t know why. 😁
I’m also learning a lot about autistic burnout, how it looks different from neurotypical burnout, and the changes in my lifestyle that help my slow recovery.
Burnout has lasted over two years for me so far. A short amount of time in the grand scheme of things, comparing to how much I have lived my life not understanding myself. 😓
Support for autistic people in the workplace comes from first understanding that some people’s struggles are invisible and hidden from the world.
If someone says they need a break, respect it, don’t question it. If you want to continue working with them positively, lead with compassion, always.
Second, accommodations for autistic people in the workplace include things like changes in lighting, work hours, networking responsibilities, meetings, and allowing people to wear headphones. Anything that makes an autistic person function better will help them and ultimately help your business too.
