Workshop to help build blueprint for neuroinclusive workplaces

Employers, HR professionals, diversity and inclusion specialists and neurodivergent professionals are invited to a special workshop to help build a blueprint for neuroinclusive workplaces.

Organised by Essex Business School (EBS) academics, the event will be an opportunity to find out about their groundbreaking research that challenges everything we think we know about neurodivergent talent in UK technology sectors.

During this interactive workshop, these research findings will be combined with the expertise of frontline professionals to build a set of guidelines that will equip HR managers and policymakers across the UK with tools around neuroinclusive workplaces that actually work.

Dr Raysa Rocha, co-organiser of the event, explained: “Our workshop addresses a critical gap in our understanding of neurodivergent workers' experiences.

“By using this collaborative approach, we are ensuring the voices and expertise of neurodivergent professionals themselves shape the practical tools we develop.”

Together with EBS colleague Dr Louise Nash, their research examined how fairness in the workplace, work relationship networks and workplace structures shape neurodivergent professionals' capacity to flourish.

“We hope this workshop will be revolutionary in its approach,” added Dr Rocha. “We are inviting neurodivergent workers, HR professionals, employers, diversity and inclusion specialists, policymakers and support organisations to join us in translating our research findings into actionable guidance.”

The UK policy landscape is shifting rapidly on neurodivergent employment. The Government's Get Britain Working agenda has placed workforce participation at the centre of economic policy, while the Keep Britain Working review examines economic inactivity linked to disability.

In January 2025, the Department for Work and Pensions launched an expert panel on neurodivergent employment, and the House of Lords Autism Act 2009 Committee is investigating employment support.

• The event - Building the blueprint for neuroinclusive workplaces – is being held at Essex Business School on the University of Essex’s Colchester Campus on Wednesday 25 March from 10am-4pm. To book your place, please fill out this form or email Dr Raysa Rocha at: raysa.rocha@essex.ac.uk.