Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2022 – Business toolkit

March 21-27 marks the annual Neurodiversity Celebration Week. Here’s why it matters for your business.

The term neurodiversity refers to the way that everyone’s brains naturally work differently from one another. Around one in seven people are neurodivergent, which means they behave, think, process, and interpret information in ways that differ to most other people.

How does this affect your business?

Traditional working practices are often designed with a neurotypical society in mind, which can make it difficult for neurodivergent employees to thrive at work. For example, having neurodivergent traits may create challenges navigating settings where there are social expectations, which can cause or be associated with mental wellbeing difficulties. This Neurodiversity Celebration Week keep your business informed via our downloadable neurodiversity toolkit.

People who are neurodiverse may need extra support in the workplace, including mental wellbeing support. Employers should consider:

• Occupational health support to identify any changes to their role or workplace environment
• Mental wellbeing self-care and coaching services from digital wellbeing services such as SilverCloud
• Training and resources for their line manager to offer tailored support for neurodiverse colleagues
• Access to acute mental health treatment and support when necessary, including mental health practitioners and talking therapies

At Bupa, our Mental Health Advantage includes ongoing support for as long as needed with no restrictions for reoccurring conditions. This offers neurodiverse colleagues the confidence of ongoing support for their mental wellbeing in the workplace.

For your business

• Employer Internal Communication (DOC, 0.02MB )
• Five neurodiversity myths every employer should tackle
• Online Mental Wellbeing Programmes with SilverCloud (PDF, 0.6MB)

Guidance and support for line-managers

• Supporting neurodiversity in the workplace: a manager’s guide (PDF, 0.3MB)

Resources that you can share with your team

• Celebrating neurodiversity
• Autism Spectrum Disorder Health Information
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy video

The Neurodiversity Celebration Week website has a wealth of information and resources if you would like to understand more about neurodiversity. You can also access information and support from charities such as National Autistic Society and British Dyslexia Association.