In a dynamically changing society, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are becoming the foundations of sustainable development. Neurodiversity, as an integral part of DEI, is gaining importance in the context of creating fairer and more innovative workplaces. The report ‘Towards DEI’, developed by UN Global Compact Network Poland, sheds light on the current state of DEI in business, with particular emphasis on neurodiversity.
Statistics and Utilization of Neurodiversity Potential
Research shows that neurodiverse employees often encounter barriers in the recruitment process, and their potential remains untapped in many organizations. Even though 52% of neurodiverse people experience discrimination during recruitment, teams including such individuals are 30% more productive. Let’s examine how neurodiversity affects efficiency, creativity, and innovation in the workplace.
One of the main challenges is the lack of awareness and full understanding of neurodiversity among managers. A British study reveals that 73% of respondents indicate a lack of knowledge among managers about neurodiversity. Education in this area can break down harmful stereotypes and misconceptions, paving the way for a more inclusive work environment.
Initiatives and Examples of Good Practices in Poland
In Poland, programs related to neurodiversity are relatively new, but some organizations have already undertaken initiatives that can serve as a model for others. Accessibility audits, training for managers, creating employee networks, and awareness-raising campaigns are just some of the actions that can significantly contribute to building a more inclusive work environment.
The report presents a series of good practices and discusses the context of Poland in terms of DEI in more detail. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with it to better understand how neurodiversity can be the key to creating fairer, more efficient, and creative workplaces.
Considering that currently 10-20% of the global population identifies as neurodiverse, we cannot wait. Now is the time to act to harness the full potential of neurodiverse talents in our organizations.
We encourage you to take a closer look at the report, which presents more good practices and a broader view of the Polish context: ‘Towards DEI‘ – UNGC.