Offering support for employees with additional needs is not only an obligation under the Equality Act (2010), but also crucial for ensuring that an organisation’s workforce thrives.

What is a Workplace Needs Assessment?

A workplace needs assessment (WPNA) is an evaluation conducted by a qualified assessor to identify adjustments and support strategies for employees with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions, such as autism, ADHD, or dyslexia. These assessments look at a person’s specific challenges and needs, the requirements of their role, and the broader workplace environment.

Why Are Workplace Needs Assessments Important?

Under the Equality Act, employers have to make “reasonable adjustments” to support employees with disabilities or neurodiverse conditions.

Not only this, WPNAs can help employees can perform their roles more effectively, reduce stress and support productivity. This is essential to employee wellbeing and creating a culture of inclusion in the workplace.

How Does a Workplace Needs Assessment Work?

A WPNA typically involves the following steps:

1. Initial Consultation
   The assessor meets with the employee and employer to understand the role and challenges faced.
2. Environment Analysis
   The assessor evaluates the workplace setup, tools, and processes to identify barriers to employee productivity and wellbeing.
3. Recommendation Report
   The assessor produces a detailed report with suggestions for adaptations.
   • Adjusted working hours or remote work options.
   • Assistive technologies, such as screen readers or speech-to-text software.
   • Changes to physical workspace arrangements.
   • Additional training for managers on neurodiversity awareness.

A workplace needs assessment may recommend breaking tasks into smaller, manageable chunks, providing noise-cancelling headphones for better focus, or implementing digital tools to improve task tracking.

How NeuroDiverse Online Can Help

At NeuroDiverse Online, we offer comprehensive workplace needs assessments tailored to individual employees and employers. With a focus on inclusion and evidence-based practices, we aim to create actionable strategies that work. We offer flexible assessments delivered by experienced assessors who specialise in autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurodiverse conditions.

We also offer specialist training for managers and teams to help create inclusive workspaces for neurodivergent employees.

References

• Equality Act 2010. Equality and Human Rights Commission
• CIPD (2021). Neurodiversity at Work. CIPD Report
• Acas (2022). Disability Discrimination. Acas Guidance