Unfortunately, stigma surrounds a variety of issues when it really shouldn’t.
Things like mental health, neurodiversity, menopause and women’s health, are somewhat taboo in society due to a lack of conversation and education, unachievable ideals, and at times perhaps ignorance…
When it comes to neurodiverse conditions specifically, it’s only in the recent years that it is really becoming a topic of conversation after the term was coined in the late 1990s. The conditions always existed previously but modern medical knowledge has allowed for more development and diagnoses. Although there’s more knowledge surrounding neurodiversity, there’s still high levels of stigma and fear of stigma and judgement, especially within the workplace.
Statistics from recent reports highlight that 51% of neurodiverse people are fearful when it comes to disclosing their conditions to an employer. This is due to the fear of being treated differently, being fired due to a misconception that they can’t work well, and not actually getting a job due to misconceptions and stigma around their condition. The same report also shows that 31% of neurodivergent job seekers had their applications dismissed after disclosing their condition.
These findings are clear that there’s a lot of stigma and misconceptions surrounding neurodiversity and this is incredibly damaging to workforces and employers because they’re missing out on great people and are hindering their current neurodivergent workers, limiting not only the individual’s success but also the organisation’s success.
The lack of information, and high levels of stigma and misunderstanding, are limiting the opportunities for neurodivergent people when it doesn’t have to be that way. Making sure that every employee is as happy and as healthy as they can be at work means that employers can get more out of their staff. Productivity levels will rise, as well as work standards and general morale. There would be less absences and disruption.
It's imperative that neurodivergent people are supported within the workplace and at UKIM Occupational Health & Wellbeing, we have a Neurodiversity package that can help neurodivergent people navigate their symptoms and find solutions or techniques to be comfortable and remain at work. This will reduce a lot of absences and it'll boost productivity as they'll feel more comfortable and supported. Not only that, but having occupational health support can help workplaces tackle any stigma by offering the resources, training and expert advice.
Furthermore, stigma can really take a toll on one's mental health. Not only is it hard to navigate neurodivergent traits and symptoms but it would be even harder with poor mental health. In fact, did you know that neurodivergent people can have increased risks of developing negative mental wellbeing? Being neurodivergent can increase stress, anxiety, or depression. With UKIM Occupational Health clinicians, and in-house psychology team with neurodiversity specialists, there's an abundance of mental wellbeing support available.
Nobody should feel like they're excluded and we're here to support everyone at work so that they can flourish.
