Businesses should be doing more to support those with autism in the workplace, one diversity consultant has suggested.
Speaking to The HR Director, Kate Headley, director at The Clear Company, explained that the cost of supporting those with autism is incredibly small and that it is actually more about raising awareness of how people tackle work differently.
She said that changes can be “as simple as ensuring they have a quiet space to work in, giving them clear and succinct written or verbal instructions and avoiding hypothetical or abstract questions”.
Ms Headley also stated that, according to her firm’s research, the adjustments can cost companies an average of £30 to implement, which is considerably less than having to train a new employee.
Her comments come following research by The National Autistic Society, which found that 32 per cent of autistic adults have some kind of paid work, compared to 47 per cent of disabled adults overall.
In addition, the survey revealed that 77 per cent of those without a job would like to be employed.
Many of the businesses questioned as part of the research indicated that they would either worry about getting support for an autistic employee wrong, or that they didn’t know what support was available for them if they wanted to hire an autistic person.
The National Autistic Society has created guidance for employers about how to effectively manage employees with autism. Tips include clarifying your expectations of the job, making sure any feedback is sensitive but direct, and providing that staff member with information and support around any changes in the workplace.
When you’re looking for your next Liverpool office space, think about what facilities you’ll need to cater for every member of your team.