What is neurodiversity
Neurodivergence is a relatively new term that has been introduced to help individuals understand that certain and specific neurological conditions are not necessarily disabilities and more a difference in capabilities that need to be addressed and worked with in a sensitive manner. Those who have neurological conditions may need to learn or function in society in different ways to those whose brains work in a more traditional manner, without any form of discrimination or negative feeling. Neurodiverse conditions include autism, dyslexia, ADHD, dyspraxia, anxiety disorders and anything that falls within these spectrums.
Neurodiversity in the workplace
Right now, there is a growing focus on making workplaces as inclusive as possible, as diversity can be beneficial for a host of reasons. Businesses that are now beginning to hire individuals with different ethnicities and balancing gender disparities are finding that they can provide better services – and this will only be enhanced when adding neurodivergent employees to the working environment.
Businesses should now be considering how they can be more inclusive and the steps that they can take to support neurodiverse employees. Some of the top ways to do this are:
- Add sensitivity training for both managers and staff
- Let neurodivergent employees work to their full potential by allowing those with sensory sensitivities to take small breaks in a dedicated quiet area to prevent overstimulation or wear headphones in louder environments
- Tailor written communication so that fonts and colour schemes are more sensitive to the needs of neurodivergent readers
- Create more flexible work schedules to cater to any issues with working in a more traditional environment
Facilitation and education are the two key factors to ensuring that you foster a safe healthy environment for all.
Are businesses bound by law?
Companies are now legally required to support neurodivergent staff and this largely relates to eliminating discrimination – and they will need to comply with equal pay legislation, actively not discriminate against job applicants or members of staff applying for promotions and implement reasonable protocols to ensure that discrimination and harassment in the workplace are all but negated.
If you feel that you have been discriminated against in the workplace, one of the best things you can do is communicate. Try to approach HR staff and discuss with them what has been going on and if they don’t take measures to make you feel supported and address your issues, don’t be scared to take things further and seek legal advice. Employment lawyers are there to help you so don’t hesitate to reach out.
What are other digital law requirements for companies?
Companies operating in the digital realm are subject to various legal requirements to ensure compliance and protect the interests of their users. One crucial aspect is data privacy, which mandates that companies handle customer data responsibly. They must obtain informed consent, provide clear privacy policies, and implement appropriate security measures to safeguard personal information. Additionally, companies must adhere to intellectual property laws, respecting copyrights, trademarks, and patents. Ensuring accessibility is another essential digital law requirement, as companies should strive to make their websites and online services accessible to individuals with disabilities. To benefit from these legal requirements, companies can utilize platforms like Ranktracker , which offer valuable insights and tools for optimizing websites, enhancing data security, and improving user experience while complying with digital law regulations.
