Neurodiversity in the Workplace: My Talk at LGC in Fordham

I recently had the pleasure of delivering a neurodiversity talk at LGC in Fordham, where 60 managers and employees came together to learn more about neurodivergence in the workplace.

The session covered dyslexia, dyscalculia, autism, and ADHD, looking at some of the difficulties people may experience at work and what can be done to make things easier. We discussed ways individuals can manage their own needs, how colleagues can be more understanding, and what managers can do to help neurodivergent members of their teams perform at their best.

Managing Overwhelm at Work

One part of the session involved the five senses technique, which we practised together. This is a simple grounding exercise that uses your senses to bring your attention back to the present moment; this can be helpful when you're feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or distracted, giving you another option to try when things become difficult.

We also discussed how the working environment itself can affect people - LGC has a lovely building in a countryside setting, with open-plan offices. While this type of layout can encourage communication and teamwork - background conversations, noise, and activity can make it harder for some neurodivergent employees to concentrate. Small adjustments to the working environment or the way tasks are organised can make a real difference for some people.

Why Neurodiversity Awareness Matters

I really enjoyed delivering the talk, particularly because the audience was so engaged and willing to get involved. The feedback afterwards was very positive, and I've since been asked to return to speak to employees at other branches.

For me, sessions like this are a great opportunity to help people understand that neurodivergence can affect individuals in different ways, even when they work in the same environment or have the same job role. A little more understanding from colleagues and managers can make it easier for people to communicate their needs, make use of their strengths, and do their best work.

I'm looking forward to returning to LGC and continuing these conversations with their other teams.