Neurodiversity accepts that everyone has a different way of thinking. And these differences can lead to marked improvements at work such as better productivity, problem-solving, and innovation. One of the best ways to recognise and promote these differences is through the annual event of Neurodiversity Celebration Week. So let’s take a look at how to mark the week effectively.
Neurodiversity Celebration Week is an annual, global initiative that aims to transform perceptions of neurodivergence and celebrate the positives. Founded by Siena Castellon in 2018, Neurodiversity Celebration Week has a mission to work with schools, universities, and other organisations to change the narrative on neurodiversity in three areas:
Research by Deloitte reveals neurodivergent individuals could make up around 17% of the workforce. But, due to low awareness and lack of self-identification, this figure may be underrepresentative of the true scale. In reality, many more people are likely to be unaware of their neurodivergence or hide it. To help these individuals acknowledge and appreciate their different ways of thinking, Neurodiversity Celebration Week offers a valuable opportunity for organisations to get behind their neurodivergent staff, increase education, acceptance, and celebrate the positives of neurodiversity at work.
Neurodiversity Celebration Week is an annual event that happens across the globe. The next one takes place between the 17th to the 23rd March in 2025.
Support for Neurodiversity Celebration Week grows every year. Current reports suggest around 139 countries took part in 2024, including over 3,000 schools, 900 charities, and more than 7,000 other organisations.
Promoting the benefits of neurodiversity can lead to many positive outcomes. For instance, studies show better neurodiversity in the workplace leads to 30% higher productivity. But also, more neurodiversity in teams results in greater creativity, innovation, and above-average results in quantum computing, machine learning, and data visualisation.
Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a valuable opportunity to leverage these advantages and unlock the following benefits:
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So what can you do, in your organisation, to celebrate Neurodiversity Celebration Week in 2025? We’ve created some key pointers to help inspire you.
Dedicating a week to raising awareness of neurodiversity is vital for effecting change. But there could be a risk that efforts fall away when staff move on to the next issue. One way to tackle this is by compiling a Neurodiversity at Work handbook, guide, or manual. Launching an internal resource demonstrates a long-term commitment to improving neuroinclusion. And your copy may include the following:
The vast majority of people have little knowledge of neurodivergence, but this is changing. Diagnosis rates for adult ADHD have increased and younger people are getting earlier recognition of their thinking differences. That said, most workplaces aren’t ready to support neurodivergent team members or to create safe environments to disclose.
A good way to overcome this issue is to provide staff with training on neurodivergence. Several charities and agencies run effective training programmes that may be suitable and worth exploring.
Neurodiversity Celebration Week is an opportunity to boost your employer branding and send a positive message to the external world that you’re an inclusive employer. Social media is the perfect way to showcase your efforts but also highlight your knowledge and awareness. Use this opportunity to show the world your knowledge and be honest about what stage you’re at.
Unless you already have one, setting up an Employee Resource Group (ERG) on neurodiversity will help staff have their say, share their voice, and effect change in their working environments.
There are some very positive examples of successful ERGs too. German firm SAP, for instance, experienced a 90% retention rate for staff on the autistic spectrum after forming an Autism ERG.
Every organisation should have strong neurodiversity policies to help guide managers and staff in handling neurodivergence. Use Neurodiversity Celebration Week to form your neurodiversity policies, if you haven’t yet done so. Such policies should include awareness of neurodiversity and the reasonable adjustments your firm will or has made to accommodate the needs of neurodivergent staff.
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