Over the past several years, the spotlight has been on businesses to create a more inclusive and healthy workplace – and for good reason. With rates of mental illness rising and research showing that around 15-20% of the world’s population are neurodivergent, it has become clear that traditional ways of working are antiquated and unable to support a diverse workforce.        

With this in mind, businesses are becoming more attuned to the importance of their workplace culture on employee engagement and success. Here’s what we can expect from businesses in 2024.

Embracing flexible working arrangements

According to a study by Randstad, more than 83% of working Australians consider flexible working hours important when looking for a job, making it a significant drawcard for hiring companies.

Businesses that haven’t yet caught up with this cultural shift will feel further pressure to do so in 2024, as it expands their talent pool and even offers a host of benefits such as increased productivity and lower operating costs. And it’s not just employees who benefit: Companies that embrace flexible work are more likely to attract and retain top talent.

Training leaders and teams on neurodiversity

It’s time we start to see businesses truly walk the walk when it comes to supporting their diverse workforce. Neurodivergent people are a valuable asset to our workforce, but research shows that many find themselves unemployed just 3-6 months after joining a new organisation due to challenging workplace structures or expectations. This concerning statistic demonstrates that without the right support, the potential of neurodivergent people often goes unrecognised and undervalued.

This is why investing in neurodivergent training for leaders and the wider team is the best way to ensure that your diverse workforce is supported in the workplace. This training will equip people leaders and teams with a deep understanding of neurodivergent conditions, challenges, and strengths and ensure that your neurodivergent employees are given the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.

Leveraging technology in the hiring process

The accessibility of artificial intelligence (AI) rose to prominence in 2023, and next year we can expect businesses of all sizes to utilise it in their hiring process. AI and data analytics can be a valuable way to streamline essential recruitment tasks while making informed decisions, reducing bias, and expediting the hiring process.

Despite the power of AI, it's crucial to strike a balance between technology and the human touch. AI is great at looking at quantifiable skills and experience, but it’s not able to sit in front of a candidate and consider whether they will be the right cultural fit for your team. In 2024 we are bound to see more and more businesses save time, money, and resources with the help of AI, but we mustn’t lose that personalised and empathetic approach to recruitment in the process.

Prioritising mental health and wellbeing

Emotional wellbeing in the workplace has been a hot topic of conversation in recent years, but we still have quite a long way to go. With research showing that almost one-third of Australians don’t feel comfortable talking about mental health in the workplace, businesses must prioritise and show up for their employees’ wellbeing in 2024.

Implementing holistic wellbeing initiatives is the best way to support employees of all abilities and backgrounds. Cultivating a supportive and empathetic workplace culture is the real key to success, improving employee retention, staff morale, productivity, and engagement.

Incorporating universal design principles

Universal Design is a strategy businesses can use to enhance workplace inclusivity, encompassing both physically inclusive spaces as well as policies and practices that create accessible environments for everyone. This approach operates on the idea that when a workplace is fundamentally designed to be accessible by everyone, it benefits everyone regardless of their abilities or unique needs.

This is known as the Curb-Cut Effect and it can enrich your culture both physically and emotionally. From ergonomic furniture to flexible scheduling, adjustments initially aimed at supporting neurodivergent employees can help create a workplace where accessibility is the foundation of all experiences.

As companies navigate these trends, it is imperative to prioritise supportive environments that cater to the unique needs of a diverse workforce. In the journey towards a more inclusive future, embracing diversity in all its forms is just as important for businesses as it is for employees.

About The Safe Space Collective

The Safe Space Collective is on a mission to create more inclusive, meaningful, and supportive workplaces for neurodivergent people all over the world. The innovative platform specialises in providing tailored and affordable education, advice, tools, and strategies to HR teams and leaders while also supporting neurodivergent employees to feel empowered in their careers.

With research showing that many neurodivergent people often find themselves unemployed just 3-6 months after joining a new organisation*, The Safe Space Collective endeavours to create a world where every neurodivergent individual has access to the same opportunities for meaningful and sustainable careers.

About April Lea, Co-Founder of The Safe Space Collective

April Lea founded The Safe Space Collective with the goal of creating supportive and inclusive workplaces for neurodivergent people following her autism and ADHD diagnosis. After working as a product and engineering leader in the tech industry for over a decade, April was hospitalised for severe burnout, which saw her take a six-month hiatus from the workforce. Before this period of burnout, April was a high-performing professional included in the Top 100 List of Emerging Engineering Leaders in 2021.

April’s experience with severe autistic burnout prompted a profound reevaluation of her lifestyle, forcing her to come to terms with the realisation that she could no longer sustain the levels of performance she once achieved. Upon re-entering the workforce, April assumed a less senior role in a different industry within a larger organisation, one with more inclusive policies and practices.

April's journey post-diagnosis has not been without challenges. She has encountered discrimination, stigma, and backlash within the workforce, leading her to establish The Neurodiversity Network and The Safe Space Collective in 2023. Driven by a mission to dismantle barriers to meaningful and sustainable employment for neurodivergent individuals globally, April is actively working towards fostering a more inclusive and supportive professional landscape.