An exploratory study of benefits and challenges of neurodivergent employees: roles of knowing neurodivergents and neurodiversity practices
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
ISSN: 2040-7149
Article publication date: 28 September 2023
Issue publication date: 13 March 2024
Abstract
Purpose
Neurodiversity refers to a spectrum of neurological differences. Little is known about the benefits and challenges of employing neurodivergent individuals in the retail industry and how knowing neurodivergent individuals/neurodiversity practices are linked to benefits/challenges. This study provides these insights using the lenses of the value-in-diversity perspective, stigma theory and intergroup contact theory.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from an online survey of retail supervisors and co-workers from Australia, resulting in 502 responses from various retail organizations.
Findings
The findings indicate that supervisors have higher awareness of neurodiversity and perceived benefits of neurodivergent employees. Knowing neurodivergents was positively associated with perceived benefits and disclosure challenges and negatively associated with equity and inclusion challenges. Neurodiversity practices were positively associated with benefits of neurodivergent employees, negatively associated with disclosure challenges and equity and inclusion challenges in small stores, and positively associated with equity and inclusion challenges in large stores.
Originality/value
Current empirical research on workplace neurodiversity is scarce. This study provides pioneering evidence for awareness of workplace neurodiversity in the retail industry and the impact of knowing neurodivergent employees/neurodiversity practices on benefits and challenges. It differentiates between supervisors' and co-workers’ perceptions, highlighting the importance of exposure to information in reducing stigma.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors thank Australian Retailers Association for funding this research and Professor Gary Mortimer from the Queensland University of Technology for leading the research team.
Citation
Ali, M., Grabarski, M.K. and Baker, M. (2024), "An exploratory study of benefits and challenges of neurodivergent employees: roles of knowing neurodivergents and neurodiversity practices", Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Vol. 43 No. 2, pp. 243-267. https://doi.org/10.1108/EDI-03-2023-0092
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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