#6: How Companies Fail Neurodivergent Workers Like Me
I have worked in tech and cybersecurity for more than 20+ years. Companies more often than not fail Neurodivergent workers like me. Biggest reason why: Expectations to work and perform just like everyone else.
Misunderstanding us
First, many Neurodivergent workers like myself are misunderstood. Typically, we get labels such as quirky, weird, strange, odd, deviant, etc. This naturally makes people uncomfortable, and they are repelled like same magnets, unless we mask and work hard to fit in but it is mentally draining. Often when managers don’t take the time or effort to understand Neurodiverse conditions, we all lose. Be brave enough to break down barriers and understand those differences.
Ignoring us
Second, unfortunately more times than not the easiest thing to do when one person meets a Neurodivergent person such as myself who is different and not like themselves is to ignore. It’s human nature and it is a hard feeling to combat along with unconscious biases that we learn throughout society, history, and culture. Be brave enough to acknowledge and confront them.
Misevaluating us
Third, companies often use the same metrics in performance reviews, so they expect the same level of productivity from Neurodivergent workers like me as compared to everyone else. Imagine: Would it be fair for a veteran soldier who lost their leg during a war to get a negative performance review for not being able to run just like everyone else? It is not fair to expect a worker with a Neurodiverse condition to perform the same. Be brave enough to establish reasonable performance expectations.
Punishing us
Fourth, along with ignoring Neurodivergent workers like myself, companies also often punish us for being different. Here’s the secret, everyone is different. There is no such thing as normal. In fact differences in people should be acknowledged and celebrated. Because being atypical is boring. Be brave to identify and appreciate differences.
Failing us
Finally, all these items together, companies fail Neurodivergent workers like me. This often leads to anxiety, depression, sadness, and departure. For some Neurodivergent people, it can be a cruel never-ending cycle of constantly changing jobs, and failure. Be brave enough not to fail us. Be brave enough to fight for us even when others won’t.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organization, employer, or company.
