neurodiversity at work
At ELE, we know that not every brain works in the same way - and that’s a good thing
Neurodiversity describes the natural differences in the way people think, process, and experience the world around them. For some of our team, that might mean navigating things a little differently day to day. Our job is to make sure those differences never become barriers.
This policy sets out how we support neurodivergent employees and create an environment where everyone has what they need to thrive.
What do we mean by neurodiversity?
Neurodivergence covers a wide range of neurological conditions. These might include (but aren’t limited to):
- Autism, which affects how someone experiences the world and interacts with others
- Dyslexia, which can impact reading, writing, spelling, memory, and language processing
- Dyspraxia, which may affect physical and mental coordination
- ADHD, which can lead to inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity
Everyone’s experience is different, and we recognise that no two people will need the same support.
Telling us about your needs
If you’ve been diagnosed as neurodivergent — or think you may be and would like support at work — we encourage you to speak to your line manager or Helen.
We’ll arrange a confidential chat to talk through how your neurodivergence shows up day to day, how it may be affecting your work, and what kind of support or adjustments could help. This isn’t a box-ticking exercise. It’s about understanding you as a person and working with you to remove any barriers.
In some cases, we may recommend a workplace needs assessment to get a fuller picture. This can help us explore exactly what adjustments might work best for you.
We know it can feel daunting to open up, and it’s your choice whether to share. Anything you do tell us will be handled with sensitivity and stored securely in line with data protection legislation.
Making adjustments that work for you
Together we’ll consider any changes that might help you in your day-to-day work, whether that’s to your role, your environment, your schedule, or the tools you use. What matters is that any adjustments feel right for you, so we’ll always work together on these decisions.
Here are some examples of adjustments that could be made, depending on what’s needed:
- Flexible working (like a different start or finish time, or more home working)
- Clear, visible instructions on equipment and software
- Someone who can review your working space to recommend ways to improve it (for example introducing more natural light or cleaner spaces)
This list isn’t exhaustive, and we’ll explore whatever might make a real difference in your case. Once we’ve agreed any adjustments, we’ll check in regularly to make sure they’re still working for you — and change them if needed. We’ll take a proactive, collaborative approach, as part of our wider duty to make reasonable adjustments.
Questions? Let’s talk
If you’re not sure about anything in this policy or want to chat things through, your line manager is your first point of contact.
At ELE, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to work. If you process the world differently, we’re here to listen, support you, and help you flourish.