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Neurodiversity in the workplace:

A practical guide to neuroinclusion

Neurodiversity is the natural range of how people think and process information. Neuroinclusion is how we design work so every mind can thrive. This guide brings both together so you can turn intent into action.

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What is neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity recognises that people experience and interact with the world in different ways. It includes conditions such as dyslexia, ADHD, autism, dyspraxia, and differences in executive function. These aren’t deficits, they’re variations in how our brains work. Each brings distinct perspectives, creativity, and problem-solving abilities that strengthen organisations.

What is neuroinclusion?

Neuroinclusion is about removing the barriers that prevent those strengths from showing up at work. It’s giving people choice in how they read, write, focus, and communicate. It’s reducing the need to disclose, and creating environments where support is built in. When neuroinclusion becomes the norm, everyone benefits.

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Neurodivergent conditions explained

Of the global adult population, 10% are dyslexic, 6% are dyspraxic, 5% have ADHD, and 1-2% are autistic. Each of these neurodivergent conditions will be experienced differently by every individual. As an employer, it's important to get to know your employees on an individual basis. That way, you'll find out more about their personal strengths and challenges. However, to help give you some awareness we've identified some common characteristics below.

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Get the Neuroinclusion playbook

Our Neuroinclusion Playbook gives leaders a practical roadmap for activating neurodivergent talent and designing a culture of belonging. Discover proven strategies from neuroinclusive leaders at EY, SAP, Wells Fargo and more.

Why this matters for your business

Neuroinclusion isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s smart business. Around 15-20% of the population are neurodivergent. That’s 1 in 5 employees, whether diagnosed or not. When workplaces don’t consider neurodiversity, they risk losing out on the unique strengths these employees can bring.

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Benefits of neurodiversity in the workplace:

  • Innovation and fresh ideas: Different thinking styles fuel innovation. Neurodivergent employees often excel in pattern recognition, problem-solving, and creativity.
  • A wider talent pool: Neuroinclusive hiring opens access to skilled candidates who may otherwise be overlooked. Broadening recruitment and onboarding practices helps attract diverse thinkers.
  • Better decision-making: Teams that include a mix of perspectives make stronger, more balanced decisions. Research shows diverse teams outperform more homogeneous ones by up to 60% in decision quality.
  • Employee engagement and wellbeing: When employees feel supported, engagement and trust rise. This boosts confidence, reduces stress, and lowers absence rates. It also improves morale across teams.
  • Performance and profit: Neuroinclusive organisations report stronger business results. Studies link neuroinclusive cultures with up to 19% higher revenue and improved long-term resilience.
  • Compliance and reputation: Building neuroinclusive practices aligns with global accessibility standards and demonstrates authentic commitment to diversity and equity in the workplace.

A neuroinclusive culture doesn’t happen by chance, it happens by design. When workplaces welcome every way of thinking, the can benefit from unique strengths of all neurotypes, including:

ADHD

Hyperfocus, creativity, energy and problem-solving abilities.

Autism

Detail-oriented, deep focus, reliability and logical thinking.

Dyslexia

Innovative thinking, big-picture thinking and verbal skills.

Dyspraxia

Creativity, strategic thinking and resilience.

Dyscalculia

Creative problem-solving, strategic thinking and verbal skills.

In fact, neuroinclusive companies report:

55%

positive impact on culture

45%

enhanced innovation

40%

improved employee retention

How to create a neuroinclusive workplace: A simplified framework

  1. Understanding and awareness: Build understanding of neurodiversity across your organisation through training and lived experience storytelling.
  2. Environment: Design physical and digital spaces that support focus, comfort, and accessibility for all employees. Aligning with standards like the W3C Web Accessibility Initiative.
  3. Tools and technology: Equip teams with assistive technology like Read&Write for Work to reduce barriers in reading, writing, and communication.
  4. Policy, culture and belonging: Embed neuroinclusion at every stage of the employee journey and company culture. From recruitment to onboarding, leadership development, and daily communication.

The following pages explore each of these areas in more depth with further guidance and advice. From supporting specific neurotypes to embedding universal design for work.

Supporting neurodivergent employees

Neuroinclusive practices for the workplace

Employee Resource Groups

Create safe spaces for shared experience and advocacy. Learn how ERGs can drive real change.

Read guide →

Universal Design for work

Design processes and environments that work for everyone and build in accessibility and from the start.

Learn more →

Neuroinclusive technology that supports everyone

Technology plays a key role in removing barriers for neurodivergent employees. Read&Write for Work gives every employee the tools they need to read, write, and communicate with confidence.

How Read&Write supports neuroinclusion:

  • Read and understand with ease: Text-to-Speech and Screen Masking make digital content more accessible.
  • Write clearly and accurately: Features like Check It, Prediction, and Dictation improve clarity and flow.
  • Support multilingual employees: Built-in translation tools and customizable voices help global teams collaborate.
  • Available everywhere: Works across Windows, Mac, Chrome, Microsoft 365, and mobile devices.

Read&Write can even be made available at the recruitment and interview stage, helping candidates show their skills in a neuroinclusive way from the start.

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Success with neuroinclusive technology

How KPMG supports neurodivergent staff with Read&Write

"It takes on average three years for a person to disclose they are neurodivergent.... Read&Write is available to every single colleague, without having to jump through hoops."

A simple, inclusive solution giving every employee access to the tools they need to thrive.

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CCEP remove barriers with Read&Write

"By rolling out Read&Write we are removing barriers that aren’t always visible, opening up opportunities, and making the online experience easier for everyone..."

A digital workspace that supports every employee and unlocks opportunities for all. 

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Lumen launches Read&Write for Work company-wide

“It offered the most complete solution for members. It will provide the tools to allow employees to break down barriers and to showcase their best self at work..."

A “game-changing” solution helping all employees to produce their best work.

Get in touch

Our award-winning tool, Read&Write supports neurodivergent employees to reach their full potential. Find out how it can help create a neuroinclusive workplace today.