Neurodiversity at work (Part 2): The law, HR considerations and wellbeing, with Kelly Thomson and Victoria Othen

Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast where we discuss all things employment.

Ahead of ADHD awareness month in October, we are devoting our latest deep-dive mini-series to the topic of neurodiversity. Given 15 to 20% of the UK population are neurodivergent - and more than half of Gen Z identify as "definitely" or "somewhat" neurodiverse - it is essential for employers to understand how neurodiversity interacts with, and affects, employment law and the world of work.

In part two, host Ellie Gelder is joined by Kelly Thomson, partner and RPC's ESG strategy lead, and Victoria Othen, consultant employment lawyer at RPC, to discuss the legal, HR and wellbeing considerations in relation to neurodiversity at work.

Looking at each stage of the employment life cycle, we discuss:

• Neurodivergence and the legal definition of disability;
• How different types of disability discrimination may arise;
• Recruitment and the duty to make reasonable adjustments for neurodivergent applicants;
• How performance management can trigger legal risks;
• The interplay between neurodivergence and mental health;
• Promotion and progression of neurodivergent talent and potential challenges; and
• Managing a reorganisation where neurodivergent workers are at risk of redundancy.

Join us for part 3 next week when we will look at how to implement effective neuroinclusion at work. And if you missed Neurodiversity at work (Part 1): Myths, misconceptions and the lived experience, you can listen here. 

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All information is correct at the time of recording.  

The Work Couch is not a substitute for legal advice.