Embracing Neurodiversity in New Zealand Workplaces
When was the last time your business actively sought out fundamentally different ways of thinking? Not just different opinions, but new approaches to solving problems and processing information. For New Zealand businesses facing increasing competition and complexity, tapping into neurodiversity – the natural variation in how human brains work – offers an enormous opportunity to unlock innovation, creativity, and performance.
Many leading global companies have already embraced neurodiversity, seeing measurable returns. The question for New Zealand organisations isn’t why to embrace neurodiversity but how they can harness its benefits.
The Neurodiversity Advantage: Unlocking Untapped Potential
Neurodivergent people – including those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia – often excel in areas where neurotypical people may struggle. People with neurodivergence process information differently, this uniqueness translates into extraordinary workplace strengths:
Exceptional pattern recognition and problem-solving abilities
High attention to detail and accuracy
Innovative thinking and fresh approaches to challenges
Enhanced creativity and originality
Superior memory and data processing capabilities
Research published by Harvard Business Review highlights significant productivity and performance improvements when neurodiverse employees are empowered to work to their strengths. For example:
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) reported 30% higher productivity from neurodiverse software-testing teams.
Neurodiverse employees at SAP developed innovative solutions leading to millions of dollars in savings.
Microsoft and other global leaders have witnessed measurable boosts in quality, efficiency, and employee engagement.
The Global Movement Towards Neurodiversity
Leading companies worldwide are taking action:
Gartner predicts that by 2027, 25% of Fortune 500 companies will actively recruit neurodivergent talent.
Companies like Microsoft, Ford, HPE, and SAP have established neurodiversity programs, transforming how they recruit, develop, and retain employees.
These organisations aren’t just meeting diversity goals – they’re enhancing innovation, improving problem-solving, and achieving sustainable business outcomes. Importantly, Harvard Business Review highlights how neurodiversity programs create broader benefits by fostering more inclusive management practices that positively impact all employees.
The New Zealand Challenge: An Opportunity for Leaders
Despite global momentum, many New Zealand businesses are still missing the mark when it comes to supporting neurodivergent talent. The 2022 New Zealand Workplace Diversity Survey revealed that 63% of neurodivergent individuals are masking their condition at work, with their organisations unaware of their neurodiversity.
Furthermore, only 17% of respondents agreed that senior leaders were equipped to manage neurodiverse workforces effectively, while nearly half (47%) disagreed or strongly disagreed.
With up to 15-20% of the population estimated to be neurodivergent, businesses must raise awareness and encourage open conversations about neurodiversity to create truly inclusive workplaces.
Creating a Neurodiverse-Friendly Workplace
Building a workplace where neurodivergent talent thrives requires intention and structure. Here are key areas to focus on:
1. Design Inclusive Work Environments
Provide supports such as noise-cancelling headphones, quiet zones, and adjustable lighting to meet sensory needs.
Allow flexibility in work hours or environments to maximise focus and productivity.
2. Train Managers
Equip leaders with the skills to understand and support neurodivergent employees effectively.
Foster greater sensitivity to individual needs, encouraging managers to focus on strengths rather than perceived limitations.
3. Adopt Clear Communication Practices
Use straightforward, direct communication styles that benefit all employees.
Provide written instructions alongside verbal feedback to support neurodivergent team members.
4. Implement Neurodiversity Policies
Develop clear, inclusive policies to support neurodivergent employees, ensuring processes are fair, adaptable, and strengths-focused.
How 3 Big Things Can Help
At 3 Big Things, we work with New Zealand organisations to create workplaces that thrive on diversity of thought. Our tailored services include:
Neurodiversity assessments and recommendations
Leadership training for managing diverse teams
Policy development and workplace adjustments
Psychological coaching and support for neurodivergent employees
Team training to foster inclusive practices
Plug Into Neurodiversity Now
The future of business success depends on innovation, adaptability, and diverse thinking. By embracing neurodiversity, New Zealand organisations can gain access to untapped talent, drive creativity, and improve performance.
Ready to transform your workplace and tap into the power of neurodivergent thinking? Contact us to learn how we can help your organisation develop a more inclusive, innovative, and productive workplace culture. Whether you're starting your neurodiversity journey or looking to enhance existing initiatives, our team of experienced psychologists and workplace specialists are here to support your success.
