Having access to appropriate assistive technology for a neurodivergent employee’s specific needs can be hugely significant in affecting the outcomes of their work, enabling them ot produce work more reflective of their true ability. For the organisation, not only can providing the correct assistive technology to an employee support productivity by making day-to-day tasks more efficient, it also stands to foster a sense of belonging within the organisation.

The energy and utilities sector has a critical role to play in powering the nation’s economy, and employs just over half a million people.  However, demand for trained and talented employees increasingly outstrips supply in the industry.  It is forecast that the sector will need to replace or retrain 48% of the current workforce between 2020 and 2030 (due to growth in demand, changing skill requirements and retirement), equating to 277,000 vacancies. Research has also identified an urgent need to address the lack of diversity in the industry.

The theme for Mental Health Awareness Week 2023 (15th-21st May) is ‘Anxiety’. There are lots of things that can happen in our personal life and work life that can lead to feelings of anxiety, including outside factors such as financial worries that can add to feelings of too.

This years International Women’s Day, celebrated on 8th March 2023, the key theme is “#EmbraceEquity”, putting emphasis on calling out discrimination, drawing attention to gender stereotypes and bias, and seeking out inclusion.

One particular area where gender equality falls short is in the awareness and diagnosis of neurodiverse conditions in women.

Historically, women have either been misdiagnosed, or have missed a diagnosis for neurodiverse conditions…

HR professionals play a crucial role in getting the right people into the right roles, motivating them to perform to the best of their abilities and providing a tailored career path through learning and development (L&D). This would also include addressing workplace bias and promoting inclusive environments which provide opportunities for all employees.