In an effort to promote neurodiversity in the workplace, TPi Award winners Neg Earth Lights invited neurodiversity consultant Maisie Cass, to speak about designing work to fit people, not people to fit work. She also shared ways to reduce stigma and challenge common misconceptions around neurodiversity.
Around one in seven people in the UK are estimated to be neurodivergent, with the live events industry thought to have one of the highest proportions. However, many neurodiverse people may feel uncomfortable disclosing their condition to their employers due to fears of stigma, as behaviours are often labelled rather than understood.
Neg Earth Lights, Managing Director Pip Ridgway, emphasised: “We have a responsibility not just to recognise neurodiversity, but to truly understand it. Neurodiverse talent will reshape the future of our workforce, driving innovation, creativity, and resilience in ways we are only beginning to appreciate. The more we learn, the stronger, more inclusive, and more successful our organisation & community will become.”
During the session, it was explored how to foster a more inclusive and supportive work culture – one built on compassion, curiosity and a genuine willingness to learn.
Many typical workplace practices – such as unspoken rules and complex office dynamics – can unintentionally create challenges for neurodivergent people. These environments can often lead to ‘masking’, where people feel the need to adapt their behaviour, which can result in burnout. Even individuals with the same condition may present it in very different ways. This means there is no singular approach to creating optimal working conditions.
With over 40% of the workforce predicted to be neurodivergent by 2040, this session reinforced the importance of moving beyond assumptions and taking the time to understand individual needs – rather than expecting people to adapt to rigid ways of working.
This means;
- Fostering open conversations
- Setting clear expectations
- Approaching differences with curiosity rather than judgement.
