Is it possible to support neurodiverse people successfully in the workplace? 

I spoke with Michelle Kershaw, independent and neurodiverse consultant and Culture Lead at Kiwibank, about what it's like to be neurodiverse and how workplaces can do better at making the workplace an attractive proposition for anyone neurodiverse, given10% of the workforce is neurodiverse. 

In my experience, managing for the 'edges' takes care of a lot of use cases for the 'mainstream' or the 'middle', and ultimately results in a much happier cohort of building occupants. So it was a great treat to delve into Michelle's perspective and learn from her insights. 

Michelle and I discussed the challenges faced by neurodiverse individuals in the workplace, including issues with noise and distractions. We talked about how flexible workspaces and quiet areas can benefit everyone, not just those who are neurodiverse. 

Michelle suggested the use of individual booths and soundproof seating areas as well as lockers.  

We discussed technology tools that could better support people, people and culture strategies and Michelle's collaboration with Remarkable Minds and CCS Corporation to create an effective way for people to communicate using image cards. 

Any organisation that supports visual learning, rather than '300 page manuals' is miles ahead in attracting and retaining these star players, who bring their own incredible superpowers. 

- Nina

—
•Resources: 
—
•Diversity Works: https://diversityworksnz.org.nz/
•Remarkable Minds: https://remarkableminds.org/
•CCS Cards: https://ccs.cards/
•Richard Branson on his dyslexia: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/richard-branson-talks-dyslexia-and-what-kids-like-him-really-need/7AJUKGXFBIROC3Z73NOWFCUUIY/ 
•World Economic Forum skills for the future
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/10/top-10-work-skills-of-tomorrow-how-long-it-takes-to-learn-them/
•Book: This is Dyxlexia by Kate Griggs - https://www.penguin.co.nz/books/this-is-dyslexia-9781529191844
•Book: The Gift of Dyslexia by Ronald D Davis - https://www.dyslexia.com/book/the-gift-of-dyslexia/
—
Workplace Makers is hosted and produced by Nina Fountain and team. Nina is the Founder and Workplace Strategist at The Workspace Connection. To contact us, email info@theworkspaceconnection.com 
—
Find more episodes here: https://theworkspaceconnection.com/podcast
—
Social media: 
—
•Nina Fountain: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninafountain/
•Michelle Kershaw: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-kershaw-a6345313/
—
Apply for an Information Call here - https://theworkspaceconnection/information-call

The Mechanics Of Designing For Neurodiversity - Michelle Kershaw

The Workplace Makers podcast is about how to build workplaces that enable growth.  We explore 'workplace making' – what it takes to turn the modern workplace into an experience that people are drawn to, wherever they work from.
 
Conversations on the podcast are wide-ranging, covering all the areas that contribute to workplace making - ways of working, workspace design, transformation, technology, human-centred design, program and project management and the future of the office.