70% of neurodiverse employees are currently suffering with mental health issues: Report

While mental health is gaining priority among employees, pushing employers to rethink their policies, a study conducted by WTW found that 70% of neurodiverse employees are currently suffering with mental health issues. This indicates a need for better support and understanding among workplace leaders.

The results show that only a quarter (25%) of neurodiverse employees feel financially secure and emotionally balanced, and only 36% feel they are in good physical health. Furthermore, half of neurodiverse employees say they feel burned out from work, compared with just 38% of neurotypical employees who said the same. 

Overall, 39% of the neurodivergent employees want to see a greater emphasis on benefits that manage their emotional health and 38% want to experience more flexibility in the workplace. However, the results show that only two in five UK companies (38%) have incorporated inclusion and diversity priorities in their employee benefits strategy, and only a quarter of employers (24%) are planning to do so. 

Commenting on the study, Lucie McGrath, wellbeing expert at WTW said, “As more employers look to embed their Inclusion and Diversity strategy within their organisational culture, there is a growing focus on the role of benefits in delivery of inclusive care for employees [...] There are varying levels of support and intervention that a company can engage with, such as reviewing specialist vendors, using insights and benchmarking and engaging in workshops to build an inclusive care strategy – but, doing something is better than nothing.” 

Although progress has been made in recent years, there is evidently still much