Twenty-fourth International Conference on Diversity in Organizations, Communities & Nations

Abstract

Approximately 29% of the population is neurodiverse and according to John’s Hopkin’s Medical Center one in four adults have a diagnosable mental health condition in any given year. This means that between 29% and 54% of the workforce falls into one of these two categories, so we need to be making accommodations standard practice and innovating our way of hiring and managing. Per a study conducted by MindShare Partners, about 20% of workers have left a job due to mental health reasons. Not considering mental health and neurodiversity is creating a less healthy and less productive work environment with higher turn-over, but when these aspects are considered and supported, such as with the Hewlett Packard neurodiversity program which finds a 33% increase in productivity, productivity, workplace satisfaction, and overall wellness increase significantly. I consider how to accomplish this pivot and embrace neurodiversity and mental health in education as well as the hiring process and workplace.