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As highlighted in a Deloitte Report, an inclusive work culture fosters diversity of thought, leading to different approaches to work, innovation, and creativity. Research suggests that teams with neurodivergent professionals can be up to 30% more productive than those without, showcasing the tangible impact of neuro-inclusivity on overall team performance.
Gartner's Strategic Predictions for 2024 and Beyond further emphasises the growing importance of neurodiverse talent. By 2027, it’s projected that 25% of Fortune 500 companies will actively recruit neurodiverse individuals to enhance business performance.
At Opencast, we have recognised this for some time. For us, neurodiversity not just as a checkbox for diversity but as a key driver of success in the tech industry.
Not only that, it’s also just the right thing to do!
At Opencast, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all minds are valued, respected and celebrated. We believe in creating a culture where individuals feel comfortable discussing and embracing neurodiversity openly. By prioritising the voices and experiences of our neurodivergent colleagues, we are striving to cultivate a more supportive and understanding workplace for everyone. While we celebrate the progress we've made in embracing neurodiversity, we acknowledge that there is always more to learn and improve upon as we continue to grow as a company.
To further our commitment, over the last 18 months we have partnered with Divergent Consulting, who are experts in neurodiversity education and awareness. We hold regular episodes, hosted by Rosie Brighty, that provides valuable insights and education of neurodivergent topics, perspectives, challenges, and strengths.
The title of the series was born from taking inspiration from our pre-existing MS Teams channel ‘Neurodiverse Natter’, which is a safe space for Opencast people to share their challenges and successes and to lean on the support of others.
Rosie spent time working closely with us to understand the culture of Opencast and the purpose of the series. Rosie’s innovation and understanding of our culture really shone through, suggesting talks on Life Hacks, Sensory Overload and The Social Side.
In true Opencast style, each session holds space for one of our people to share their own lived experiences with their colleagues, which not only fosters a deeper understanding but also creates a more empathetic and supportive workplace culture.
This year will see Opencast launch several Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), one of which will be for our Neurodivergent colleagues. ERGs are a vital component of Opencast's commitment to fostering inclusivity and supporting neurodivergent individuals in the workplace. These groups provide a platform for employees to connect, share experiences, and advocate for meaningful change within the organisation.
By launching an ERG specifically for neurodivergent colleagues, Opencast demonstrates its dedication to creating a supportive community where individuals can thrive. Through these ERGs, Opencast aims to continue to promote awareness, provide resources, and drive initiatives that enhance the professional development and well-being of neurodivergent employees.
At Opencast, we take great pride in our efforts to support neurodiversity and cultivate an inclusive workplace culture so far. Through collaborations with experts such as Rosie Brighty from Divergent Consulting, we've developed engaging platforms like the 'Neurodiversity Natter: Live!' series, providing opportunities for our team members to learn, share experiences, and grow together.
The feedback we've received from our colleagues underscores the meaningful impact of these initiatives, from reshaping perspectives to fostering a more supportive environment for all.
Together, we strive to set a positive example in the tech industry by promoting inclusivity and driving meaningful change both within our organisation and beyond.
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