3 Ways to Embrace Neurodiversity at Work

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In a work world dominated by automation, digitalization, and increasing incivility, the need for the strengths of neurodiverse "sensitive strivers" has never been greater.

A "sensitive striver" is an employee who is both highly sensitive and high-achieving. Their empathy, emotional intelligence, and superior level of perception and insight offer an undeniable competitive advantage in the future workforce. In fact, the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report says that by 2025, the skills that "sensitive strivers" exemplify–such as critical thinking, problem-solving, self-management, working well with people, and communication–will be most in demand.

The Business Value of "Sensitive Strivers"

One in five people has inherited a special set of genes that leads to having a highly attuned central nervous system. Psychologist Elaine Aron, who first discovered the trait of high sensitivity, has suggested that it evolved as an “innate survival strategy” to stay free from harm in prehistoric times. Pausing and observing–a hallmark of high sensitivity–helped these individuals make wiser decisions by picking up on environmental cues and recognizing things that less-sensitive people didn’t.

The neurodiversity that comes with high sensitivity is still an invaluable trait: managers consistently rate people with these skills as their top contributors. Studies have also shown that because of their unique wiring, sensitive people have more active mental circuitry and more neurochemicals in areas related to attention, action planning, decision-making, and empathy.

"Sensitive strivers’" depth of mental processing means they take in more information, synthesize, and process it in a more complex way. They explore various angles and paths for a solution and constantly scan for improvements. "Sensitive strivers" are likely to offer novel, inventive suggestions or highlight gaps before they become problems, which can save time and money. Their natural conscientiousness means that their work is consistently thorough and professional. "Sensitive strivers" are also deliberate with their actions, balance different perspectives, and tactfully communicate even when the pressure is on.

How Organizations Can Embrace Neurodiversity

In recent years, there has been a move to embrace neurodiversity in the workplace or create value in their normal, non-pathological variations in mental functioning. Neurodiversity has typically (and rightfully) been referred to as promoting inclusion for those with autism and ADHD. It also applies to high sensitivity, given that the trait leads to neurological differences in about 20 percent of workers.

Embracing "sensitive strivers" presents a huge opportunity to transform your organization’s leadership, revenue, and impact. High-performing companies and teams require a mix of personalities, so when "sensitive strivers" find roles and workplaces in which they can thrive, everyone wins.

Here’s how to promote greater neurodiversity in your company and get the most from the "sensitive strivers" on your team while you’re at it:

1. Adapt the interview process.

The traditional interview process tends to primarily assess and over-index on hard skills, such as data analysis, software expertise, or project management skills. While many "sensitive strivers" are technically gifted, you may miss out on top candidates by neglecting to explore brain differences. And by doing so, you bias your process to eliminate "sensitive strivers" who could transform your organization. How can you adapt your interview process?

• Include questions that assess a candidate’s natural level of sensitivity. For example, ask about the thought process behind an important decision in their last role. Evidence that the candidate paused before acting, took various scenarios into consideration, and reflected on their past experiences suggests you have a "sensitive strive."
• Offer reasonable take-home interview assignments. Brief, high-level case studies, presentations, or test assignments give you an opportunity to assess a candidate’s creativity and communication. "Sensitive strivers" thrive when they have the opportunity to contemplate and reflect versus answering on the spot.

2. Create a well-balanced work environment.

Because of their genetics, "sensitive strivers" are more affected by their environment, for better or worse. Even if your staff is working from home, the impact of your workplace culture can transcend physical walls. To create a well-balanced environment:

• Model strong work-life balance by clearly defining work hours and expected response times. "Sensitive strivers" tend to be so committed that they overwork, so encouraging time off is crucial.
• Create opportunities for deeper processing by normalizing no-meeting days and the use of “Do Not Disturb” on work messaging apps, for example. You’ll get higher productivity and work quality from your entire team, but especially your "sensitive strivers."

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3. Integrate self-awareness into your organization's work style.

High sensitivity is linked to a gene that increases the vividness of inner experiences. Being more emotionally in touch makes "sensitive strivers" highly self-aware, and self-aware workers are more effective. Borrow from "sensitive strivers’" approach to the world and make your organization more successful by integrating self-awareness into your working style. Here’s how:

• Individuals should develop a “user manual,” which is a document that outlines their best working conditions; how they prefer to communicate, receive feedback, and make decisions; how they learn best; and things they struggle with. This helps neurodiverse teams understand each other’s working styles and, in turn, work more harmoniously with one another.
• Educate managers and leaders with training on normal personality differences. Acceptance and appreciation of "sensitive strivers" have to come from the top.

Ultimately, championing neurodiversity is, in part, about changing the narrative around sensitivity from one that sees the quality as a weakness to one that heralds it as the superpower it is.