In a recent employment tribunal, Khorram v Capgemini, a claim was partly upheld due to the company failing to implement neurodiversity awareness training. The discrimination related to an employee who had attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
What is neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is a term used to refer to the different ways in which an individual’s brain processes and learns information. It is the acceptance that everyone’s brains work differently.
15%-20% of the population are neurodivergent. Referred to where people have autism, asperges, ADHD, Tourette’s syndrome, dyslexia, are just a few of the conditions.
Discrimination
Under the Equality Act 2010, discrimination is when someone is treated less favourably because they have a disability, including harassment and victimisation.
Where there is a disability then the employer should adopt a ‘reasonable adjustment’ where a disabled person is placed at a substantial disadvantage compared to others who are not disabled, or would place them at a substantial disadvantage.
In the above tribunal case, referred to, the employer had not provided awareness training in the company, and the line manager had failed to understand the condition which resulted in discrimination in line with the legal obligation under the Equality Act.
Providing training to line managers on the awareness of discrimination where the employee has a disability is vital to avoid a tribunal claim. Training will also ensure that employees are engaged with, feel confident to do their best work, and recognised.
Understanding people is a key skill for any line manager. People have human behaviours and traits, acknowledging these can support a diverse range of skills, ideas, creative thinking, varying approaches.
Nockolds HR provide Line Manager awareness training: Neurodiversity in the workplace, that covers
- What is neurodiversity?
- Traits, behaviours and challenges
- Strengths and skills
- Benefits of a neurodiverse workplace
- Equality Act 2010
- Your role as line managers to provide support
Line managers hold a key role in the company. Having the confidence to manage their team, recognising each individual and how their performance contributes to the overall success of the company is vital. Our training identifies also the protection people may have in respect of a disability, and the steps companies are required to follow to ensure a fair workplace that is free of any discrimination.
For further information on our Line Manager awareness training: Neurodiversity in the workplace, reach out to our team of HR Consultants on 0345 646 0406 or fill in our online enquiry form for guidance.