Two-thirds (64%) of neurodiverse employees in the UK feel their workplaces lack sufficient support, putting businesses at risk of employee alienation.
Opinium surveyed 2,000 people for Zest’s Unlocking the potential of neurodiversity through benefits report which also found that half (49%) of neurodiverse employees believed they were poorly supported at their company.
The concern was echoed by employers as a fifth (22%) of the 500 HR leaders quizzed by Opinium admitted they struggled to cater to the needs of neurodiverse employees.
Findings were conducted by independent research agency Opinium which surveyed 2,000 adults weighted to be nationally representative between 22nd – 26th March 2024 and 500 HR decision makers between 25th March – 1st April 2024.
Neurodiverse employees account for a growing portion of the workforce and four in 10 (38%) HR leaders had seen an increase in the number of employees with neurodiverse conditions in the last year.
Although 37% of businesses had already invested in greater support for neurodiverse employees such as additional mental health resources, the dissatisfaction with the level of support suggested that employers need to not only broaden support but also focus on its communication and delivery, the firm said.
It argued the commercial benefits of improving support for neurodiverse employees were clear as 35% of HR leaders believed having more neurodiverse employees had boosted productivity while 31% believed this segment of the workforce had made the business more profitable.
Impact on talent attraction
Failing to effectively support neurodiverse employees can also impact talent attraction and retention, the research suggested.
Half (48%) of neurodiverse employees believed their benefits package was inadequate and 62% would leave their current job for a company that had more inclusive benefits and initiatives, much higher than the 46% UK average.
Employee benefits packages provide a clear, cost-effective route to improving the experience of neurodiverse employees in the workplace, Zest claimed.
Three quarters (74%) of neurodiverse workers wanted more personalised benefits that were relevant to them and 52% would use their benefits more if the platform was easier to use.
Only 29% of employees believed their company’s benefits platform supported their individual needs and 39% would like their company to increase its accessibility.
Matt Russell, CEO of Zest said: “Employers need to ensure they are fully harnessing the talent of neurodiverse employees by improving support and reward strategies to ensure this growing portion of the workforce can flourish.
“Although many employers are stepping up investment in this area, clearly neurodiverse employees feel there is a long way to go before the level of support offered in the workforce meets their expectations.
“Increasing investment in benefits packages is an effective approach to delivering enhanced and targeted support to employees which makes them feel more valued, motivated and ultimately benefits the organisation as well as the individual.”