Auticon report highlights benefits of neuroinclusion in work

The 2024 Impact Report from auticon highlights the positive effects of neurodivergent inclusion on workplace culture and business outcomes.

The latest report from auticon presents detailed insights and statistics demonstrating the advantages of neuroinclusion within business environments. The company, distinguished as the world's largest autistic majority business, has continued its dedication to fostering inclusive workplaces that support neurodivergent employees.

According to the report, 87% of surveyed clients observed a favourable cultural shift in their teams after engaging with neurodivergent talent. This significant statistic underscores the tangible benefits of embracing diversity within corporate environments.

Luke Williams OBE, Group CEO of auticon, expressed enthusiasm regarding the report's release: "We are proving that neurodiversity works at work. Our 2024 Impact Report showcases not just the tangible progress we've made, but the real-life impact of neuroinclusive hiring on workplace culture and the contribution it makes to better business outcomes."

Bodo Mann, CEO and Managing Director of auticon Australia and New Zealand, emphasised the necessity of businesses adapting if they wish to thrive amidst evolving market demands. "Businesses across the globe are beginning to realise they need to change if they want to grow. The growing STEM skills gap, the pace of technological change, increasing demand for services in AI and machine learning mean an increasing need for focused and skilled IT workers," he said. Mr Mann also noted that companies which develop the capacity to work with autistic individuals witness beneficial cultural changes that enhance productivity.

The findings of the report reflect auticon's commitment to this cause, with 79% of the company's 552 employees identifying as neurodivergent. Notably, 62% of these were unemployed before joining the company, highlighting auticon's role in tackling employment inequality.

auticon Consultant Meiko shared her journey, illustrating the real-life impact of the company's initiative. "I didn't think I'd be an attractive prospect. Freshly graduated in Engineering, but with a checkered course transcript from a lack of support during my studies. I got passed up for all the graduate programs, only managing to secure some part-time office admin work and thinking about how different things would be if I only had support," she recounted. Meiko detailed how the supportive environment at auticon allowed her to progress to the role of Senior Consultant, stressing her newfound career satisfaction and ability to guide new employees.

The report also revealed that 98% of clients recognised the valuable contributions of auticon technologists, while 87% experienced a positive cultural shift within their teams. Such findings align with the growing trend towards greater neurodiversity awareness, with over 8,000 individuals trained on neuroinclusion worldwide.

Moreover, the report documents the sustained success of auticon's employees, with 35% of autistic technologists having been with the company for over five years. Additionally, 82% of these technologists reported improvements in quality of life, with an equal percentage able to be their authentic selves at work, further underscoring the importance of inclusive workplace practices.