Neurodiversity at Work: Insights, Challenges, and Solutions

On this episode of JPF First Aid, we speak to Mo Bury about neurodiversity in the workplace. Mo runs Momentum Training who offer neurodiversity in the workplace training, transformative coaching, and insights into behaviour and culture change, as well as conference speaking.

Mo talks us through some of the statistics and obstacles people with neurological disorders face in the workplace. Mo offers insights and tips for employers as to how we can make our workspace more comfortable for those with neurological disorders, and steps as to how we can support people.

Key Takeaways

People with neurological disorders are less likely to speak about it to employers due to fear of being looked down upon.

Those with neurological disorders can be key assets to the workplace as they can spot things that other people may miss.

We still have a long way to go as a society to be inclusive for those with neurological disorders, including adapting the workplace to make it a more comfortable environment.

Key moments

“At the ripe old age of 50 something, I became aware that my brain worked a bit differently, and realised that I wasn't just disorganised and untidy. And why did I have to have everything out where I could see it? I realised that my brain worked differently.”

“Whether somebody's got a physical disability or a mental one, whether they are suffering short term or long term, whether they're menopausal, tired, bereaved, stressed, it doesn't matter. Any good employer will sit down and go, okay, how can I help you do your job in a way that works for you?”

“Nobody's trying to be somebody they're not. They can just be themselves and that is a lovely idea. That's a world I'd like to live in.”

About the guest

When Mo first learned about neurodiversity, she was convinced that she was neurotypical. The more Mo learned, the more she recognised it in herself and had a lot of, "oh that makes sense" moments. She joined the ADHD UK Facebook group and she says it was like she'd suddenly found a group of people just like her, with the same frustrations and challenges. At 59 Mo says she doesn't feel the need for medication so is in no rush (private diagnosis costs a lot) and is happy to continue learning how she can work with her brain to help it be healthier and function better whilst she waits on the NHS list for a diagnosis, which will be about 2 years.

Mo has gone through her whole life not knowing that her brain likes to do things differently to other people and she has beaten herself up for all the silly things that it didn't do so well. When she became "aware" everything changed. Mo put systems in place to help support what her brain doesn't like doing and stopped being mean to herself when it messes up occasionally.

The Thrive Neurodiversity & Mental Health Neurodiversity training Mo delivers in one global organisation is helping other people become aware of just how easy it is to make the world a better place for those brains that don't fit into the majority box, so everyone can be at their best at work.

About the Host

John Fogarty has a training background dating back to 2005, with achievements including a teaching qualification and assessor standard. He has previously worked with two first aid charities, delivering sessions in the workplace and educational environments. John has consistently received excellent feedback for his delivery and customer service, as evident in numerous reviews.

Find out more at https://jpffirstaid.co.uk/

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