Co-Designing a More Inclusive Workplace: Thinklab-BBC CAPE Neurodiversity Project

Abstract

Approximately 15% (1 in 7) of working-age people in the UK are neurodivergent. Despite their high prevalence in the general population, only about 60-70% of neurodiverse people are estimated to actively participate in the workforce. The reasons for the underrepresentation of neurodiverse people in the workplace are complex, encompassing a wide range of individual, social, and organisational factors. Among these factors, mental health issues among neurodiverse individuals (e.g., severe social anxiety) are frequently attributed as a primary cause. However, in many cases societal stigmas and limited awareness surrounding neurodiversity, as well as a failure to provide reasonable workplace adjustments, deter neurodiverse individuals from entering the workforce more than any other factor. Despite these challenges, The University of Cambridge ThinkLab’s research collaboration with the BBC shows that many of these external barriers can be overcome by implementing reasonable adjustments and inclusive hiring, onboarding, and mentoring practices in workplaces. This interactive report is the result of this 10-month research collaboration and draws upon academic literature, online testimonials, news, and interviews with neurodiverse BBC employees. The report makes numerous recommendations for workplace adjustments and aims to spark a large-scale public discussion about how to improve the workplace experience of neurodivergent individuals.