Guest post by Kelly Greig TEP, global chair of STEP and partner at Blick Rothenberg

Greig: Foster a culture of understanding
The success of any professional trust and estate business is not a solo performance – it is a full orchestral work. While a strong foundation in legal codes and accounting principles is the melody, a truly thriving team benefits from a harmonious blend of cognitive styles.
STEP’s work on equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) encompasses neurodiversity and the richness of instrumentation it brings to our organisation.
EDI goes to the heart of our values of community, collaboration, integrity and continuous learning. Everything we do can only be enhanced with the contribution of diverse experiences, insights and perspectives.
Garnering those diverse contributions depends on being open and welcoming of them – being inclusive so that we understand and value the rewards that they bring to us, our members and their clients.
It is therefore disturbing that a large number of neurodiverse individuals remain out of work. A report by the Institute of Leadership and Management showed that at least 50% of hiring managers were uncomfortable hiring someone who was neurodiverse.
This blog explores the strengths that neurodivergent individuals bring to professional teams, along with practical strategies to create a more inclusive and productive work environment.
Problem-solving skills
Neurodivergent employees are the virtuosos of creative problem solving. They bring fresh perspectives to complex issues. In fields like law, finance and technology, their innovative thinking drives significant advancements.
Hyperfocus: the symphony of intense concentration
ADHD, often seen as a disruptive force, reveals its hidden symphony in the form of hyperfocus. When neurodivergent individuals are passionate about a task, they dive into it with unwavering intensity.
Resilience: navigating choppy waters
Life’s tempests have shaped neurodivergent individuals into resilient sailors. They have weathered storms in a world not always attuned to their needs. This resilience, forged through adversity, becomes a valuable asset in dynamic, fast-paced work environments. When deadlines loom and challenges arise, they stand firm, adapting and persisting.
Creating a symphony of success: workplace adjustments
Just as every instrument in an orchestra requires careful tuning and adjustments to deliver its best sound, neurodivergent employees may benefit from specific workplace accommodations to thrive and reach their full potential.
These adjustments encompass a holistic approach that recognises and celebrates the unique strengths of neurodivergent individuals, while providing targeted support to address any potential challenges they may face.
By fostering a culture of understanding and providing these targeted adjustments, we can create a truly inclusive and productive work environment where different cognitive styles come together to achieve remarkable results.
Flexible work hours: a harmonious tempo
Allowing flexible start and end times orchestrates a harmonious work rhythm. Neurodivergent employees thrive during their peak productivity hours. Flexibility is not just a perk, it is a symphony conductor’s baton, guiding each performer to their best performance.
Quiet workspaces: dimming the background noise
In the bustling orchestra pit, noise-cancelling headphones become the maestro’s wand. These quiet sanctuaries minimise distractions, benefiting not only neurodivergent individuals but also anyone seeking focused concentration.
Clear, written instructions: the sheet music of clarity
Verbal instructions can be easily forgotten. Enter written instructions: the timeless sheet music. Neurodivergent employees thrive when they can revisit clear guidelines. Whether it is coding standards, project briefs or procedural manuals, the written word ensures harmony across the team.
Regular check-ins: tuning the instruments
One-on-one meetings are the tuning forks of workplace support. Regular check-ins provide necessary adjustments. Neurodivergent employees discuss progress, share challenges and fine-tune their performance. These sessions foster trust, ensuring that every instrument, whether violin or spreadsheet, stays in tune.
Organisational tools: the digital baton
Imagine Trello, Asana or Microsoft To-Do, all brilliant time management tools, as digital conductors. These tools orchestrate tasks, deadlines and priorities. Neurodivergent employees benefit from their structured approach.
The ripple effect of inclusion
The adjustments we make to create a neuroinclusive workplace extend far beyond benefiting just neurodivergent employees. These changes create a ripple effect, fostering a more harmonious and productive environment for everyone.
Imagine an orchestra where every musician feels valued and supported. This is the power of a neuro-inclusive environment. The adjustments we make for our neurodivergent colleagues can resonate positively with everyone:
- Flexible work hours: a happier orchestra, playing in sync, leads to higher productivity and reduced burnout for everyone. Offering flexible schedules allows all employees, regardless of neurotype, to find their peak productivity rhythm.
- Quiet workspaces: Everyone benefits from a designated quiet space to focus intently on tasks requiring deep concentration.
- Clear instructions: Clarity harmonises tasks, reducing errors and fostering collaboration. Clear written communication protocols benefit everyone by ensuring all team members are on the same page and working towards shared goals.
In conclusion, by embracing neurodiversity, fine-tuning our practices and fostering empathy, we can create a harmonious workplace where every instrument finds its melody, contributing to a powerful performance.
Well written, great fun to read, brilliantly illucidated!