Polygon Created with Sketch. Home | Research

Building workplaces where neurodivergent workers thrive

Neurodiversity means that people naturally differ in terms of how they think, understand information, interact, and communicate with others. Studies show that neurodivergent individuals demonstrate significant potential to be highly engaged and productive employees. However, barriers to their employment persist. According to the most recent Canadian Survey on Disability, only 33 per cent of adults on the Autism spectrum reported being employed in 2017.

Neurodivergent individuals experience barriers in accessing employment and often lack the supports and accommodations that facilitate career progression and access to leadership-track positions.

Our report explores strategies and best practices for reducing the economic and social costs associated with the low workplace engagement, employment, and productivity of neurodivergent employees in Canada.

Our research identifies three first steps for improving the workplace experience for neurodivergent Canadians:

  • Increase transparency in the accommodation process of available supports.
  • Implement company-wide neurodiversity awareness training.
  • Offer more flexibility in work arrangements.

Key insights

Neurodivergent workers and managers express positive attitudes toward neurodiversity in the workplace.

However, non-neurodivergent managers in particular would benefit from a strengthened understanding of the barriers that neurodivergent employees face.

Half of neurodivergent employees surveyed feel that informing their employers about their neurodiversity status might limit their opportunities for career progression or have other negative repercussions.

Related content

person sitting on a blue couch with a laptop reads a book
Research

Creating Inclusive Campuses: Neuroinclusive Policies and Practices in Postsecondary Education

In this research, we report on the findings of the first national survey of neurodivergent postsecondary students and recent graduates as well as in-depth interviews with neurodivergent students and graduates, and staff and leaders working in accessibility services. 
Research

DiversityLeads: Diverse representation in leadership – A review of 10 Canadian cities

Have questions about our work? Do you need access to a report in English or French? Please contact communications@fsc-ccf.ca. How to Cite This ReportThe Diversity Institute….
A man interacts with artificial intelligence to optimize and automate computing, security, backup, cloud and data transfer processes.
Research

An Equity Lens on Artificial Intelligence

This paper explores the reasons behind AI’s impact on equity and quality (the ‘why’) and the ways in which AI influences these issues in practice (the ‘how’), offering insights for leaders, policymakers, and students on navigating current and future AI developments.
View all Research