Neurodiversity in accounting: Embracing inclusive workplaces

It’s estimated between 15–20% of the population are neurodivergent. As a result, organisations have a moral responsibility to include and support neurodivergent individuals, creating workplace environments where everyone’s challenges are supported and strengths are celebrated, and where neurodivergent individuals can thrive.

The business benefits for organisations that embrace neurodiversity include:

• Diverse thinking: neurodiversity brings unique viewpoints, problem-solving approaches, fresh ideas and innovative solutions. 
• Increased productivity: accommodations for neurodiverse individuals enhance overall productivity. 
• Talent attraction: focusing on building neuro-inclusive workplaces attracts candidates – especially Generation Z.
• Talent retention: a neuro-inclusive environment fosters loyalty and reduces turnover. 
• Enhanced creativity: neurodiverse individuals often think ‘outside the box’. 
• Positive workplace culture: Employees feel respected and valued, leading to better morale.

This report shares stories of individuals who are neurodivergent within the accountancy profession and ultimately celebrates thinking differently, representing organisations as diverse as accountancy firms EY and Cooper Parry, recruitment firm Michael Page Malaysia, HMRC (the UK’s tax authority) and The Ritz London hotel. 

The research sought to understand the challenges neurodivergent individuals face at work and in education; their strengths; how organisations have implemented support at both the organisation and individual level; and thoughts about the future of neurodiversity at work.

It concludes with key recommendations for organisations to better support their neurodivergent employee community, from leadership buy in and sponsorship, education and training opportunities, through to inclusive job descriptions and recruitment practices.