A new report has found that employers are not supporting neurodiverse workers enough, and excluding a very valuable talent pool that could help to bridge the digital skills gap.
The report, carried out by Sparta Global, a hire-train-deploy company specialising in the provision of emerging business and technology talent, reveals that just 21% of businesses that tailor their recruitment practices to neurodivergent candidates. This means that 79% of organisations have taken no steps to accommodate those with neurodiverse characteristics, despite the fact that the majority of employers claim they will be making neurodiversity a priority in 2023.
The 2023 EqualTech report, which explores how ‘Neurodiverse teams bring in-demand perspectives to tech’, found that neurodivergent workers are not being supported and empowered in employment. Crucially, 59% felt that there isn’t enough support available in their organisations, and fear that disclosing their neurodiversity may have negative repercussions on their future within their companies.
In fact, 83% of neurodivergent workers reported feeling worried, nervous, and fearful about having conversations with their employer regarding their neurodiversity. And 68% do not think that their employers are doing enough to remove barriers to entry.
DIGITAL SKILLS GAP
The digital skills gap in the UK continues to present significant challenges for UK employers and the wider economy. Sparta Global’s research indicates that when companies attract and retain neuro-inclusive digital teams, they are more likely to gain and sustain a competitive advantage across areas such as computational thinking, observation, adaptability and intuition.
On a positive note, 87% of digital leaders surveyed in our research believe that neurodiversity will be a top priority for their companies in 2023 and 54% stated that Covid-19 accelerated conversations around commitment to neurodiversity.
In contradiction, Sparta Global’s research also shows awareness has not equalled change. The report notes that just 21% of respondents work for businesses that tailor their recruitment practices to neurodivergent candidates. In turn, this means 79% of organisations have taken no steps to accommodate those with neurodiverse characteristics.
LACK OF SUPPORT FOR NEURODIVERSE CANDIDATES
“I had no idea that we would receive such overwhelming and honest feedback,” shared David Rai, CEO of Sparta Global. “With the UK government reporting that we could face a shortage of 900,000 skilled IT workers by next year, an empowered neurodiverse community presents perspectives and skills that could be transformative. Despite this, I was shocked to see how few businesses have practically adapted their hiring strategies to support neurodiverse applicants.”
Neurodivergent employees are a demographic in evolution. Of those surveyed who identified as neurodivergent, only 26% were diagnosed during childhood, while 31% were diagnosed as adults. A further 15% told us that they are currently undergoing a diagnosis, while 28% are planning to seek an assessment in the future. “I hope employers, educators, and those outside of our established network, can glean as much insight, knowledge, and practical advice from this report as I have,” added Rai.
In addition to delivering key insights across neurodiversity and technology, the Equal Tech Report also features contributions from Admiral, Schroders, Gallagher, ADHD Girls and more. The study has been curated from a survey of 500 senior and C-suite individuals working in organisations across almost every industry sector. Click here to download the full report.
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