Professor Adam Boddison OBE talks about APM’s latest survey that reveals nearly all project managers see clear benefits from adjusting policies to support neurodivergent staff. This National Inclusion Week, the findings highlight a profession already making progress while still seeking better guidance to ensure even greater inclusivity across the industry.
An overwhelming majority of project managers believe their company has directly benefited from extra adjustments to accommodate neurodivergent staff, a survey conducted by the Association for Project Management (APM) has revealed.
National Inclusion Week starts on Monday 15th September and encourages businesses to do more to create inclusive workplaces: the survey showed 98.8% of 757 project professionals felt the introduction of inclusive policies, such as the introduction of more structured routines, sensory-friendly zones in offices, and inclusive onboarding and training, all helped neurodivergent staff integrate into their businesses.
Business benefits
Research by APM has found that making workplaces more inclusive and accessible for neurodivergent people can bring benefits such as better problem solving, risk management and long-term planning. In addition, 95.3% also believe that the project profession is welcoming and supportive of people who are neurodivergent, which includes people with conditions such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.
Inclusive policies that actually make a tangible difference
However, many of those surveyed also think policies could be improved, with a majority saying their companies need more guidance on neurodiversity and how to accommodate neurodivergent staff. Professor Adam Boddison OBE, Chief Executive of APM, the chartered membership organisation for the project profession, was pleased to see how much work the industry was doing to accommodate those who are neurodivergent.
Adam said: “These results show that the project profession is in an excellent place when it comes to inclusive policies that actually make a tangible difference. While the figures around the benefits of having a neurodiverse team and the welcoming environment the industry has created are brilliant to see, the survey shows the project profession is not resting on its laurels.
“Many of the professionals surveyed are open to learning more about how hiring and training policies can be enhanced even further to ensure talented, neurodivergent individuals can find a place within the industry. With National Inclusion Week, it is pleasing to see that project management is doing many of the right things to not only welcome those with a neurodivergent condition, but doing so in a way that helps their projects succeed.”
Self-confidence
The survey, in partnership with Censuswide, also showed a high level of acceptance of neurodiversity within the project profession after previous APM research found around three out of ten project professionals identified themselves as neurodivergent. In this latest survey, more than 90% of those who identified as neurodivergent felt confident enough to disclose that to their employer. And out of those individuals, more than 85% had adjustments made to their working patterns to accommodate this.
According to the survey, the main policies put in place for neurodivergent staff were sensory-friendly rooms such as those adjustable lighting or quiet zones, introducing more structured routines to help reduce anxiety from unexpected changes, inclusive onboarding procedures which account for various learning styles, and more flexibility around working hours.
Neurodiversity awareness training was also a commonly cited example of how the profession is enabling fellow staff to better understand and work with their neurodivergent colleagues. Adam added: “Awareness of neurodiversity and the adjustments individuals might need to cope with a demanding job is now higher than ever.
“Certain businesses will have their own policies and plans in place to better accommodate neurodiverse staff, but our survey shows the vast majority of neurodiverse people in the project profession are not just coping, but thriving.”
Professor Adam Boddison OBE is Chief Executive of the Association for Project Management
