A new survey has found that 91 per cent of Australians think organisations could do more to support the long-term employment of neurodivergent individuals. 

This survey included 1,410 respondents, both neurodivergent and neurotypical, highlighting significant challenges and opportunities in the workplace.

The survey findings indicate that many organisations are failing to create a sustainable environment for neurodivergent employees. 

A substantial 61 per cent of respondents disclosed they would not feel comfortable revealing their neurodivergence to potential employers, fearing it might hinder their career prospects.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 30 to 40 per cent of the population is neurodivergent. 

Despite existing policies in many organisations, the survey reveals that only 41 per cent of neurotypical Australians feel confident in their ability to support their neurodivergent colleagues effectively.

The lack of adequate support is reflected in the higher turnover rates for neurodivergent individuals, who spend an average of 4.4 years in a role compared to 9.1 years for neurotypical Australians.

Additionally, the survey highlighted that 97 per cent of neurodivergent individuals feel appreciated at work due to small supportive acts. 

Many believe that positive work environments, flexible working arrangements, adapted workstations, and sensory rooms would significantly enhance job satisfaction (68 per cent) and overall wellbeing (68 per cent).

“We are proud to celebrate not just the unique talents and skills of neurodivergent individuals, but their contribution to the Australian economy,” says Seelan Nayagam, President of DXC Technology Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa, the tech firm that commissioned the survey.

“Neurodivergent individuals bring a lot of value to the workplace, with strengths such as great attention to detail, focused concentration, pattern recognition, spotting anomalies in data, and out-of-the-box thinking. 

“These are valuable skills, especially in areas of technology such as data analytics, software automation, and cybersecurity,” he said.