Automotive industry charity Ben has launched a new, free, online neurodiversity training programme, during National Inclusion Week.
Embracing Neurodiversity has been developed by Evolved Business Support, and is designed to help automotive workers better understand neurodiversity and create more inclusive and supportive workplaces across the industry.
The practical programme explores ADHD, autism and dyslexia, helping colleagues understand how neurodivergence can influence the way people think, communicate and experience the workplace.
According to Ben’s Health & Wellbeing survey, one in seven automotive workers identify as neurodivergent. These workers are significantly more likely to report low mood, anxiety-related symptoms, workplace stress and difficulties managing their mental health, with comments suggesting that pressure, communication challenges and feeling misunderstood can compound existing challenges.
Embracing Neurodiversity
The free training can be completed online at any time and is designed to provide colleagues with practical guidance they can apply in their day-to-day roles. Through real-life examples, practical advice and a simple checklist, learners will explore how small changes can make a meaningful difference to colleagues, customers and teams.
To access the free training, follow this link.
Recognising that people work in a variety of environments and roles, the Embracing Neurodiversity training programme has been developed for three different areas of the industry:
- Office: supporting colleagues working in office-based environments to build understanding and create more inclusive day-to-day interactions.
- Production: focusing on practical ways to support inclusion within production environments and teams.
- Retail: exploring neurodiversity in the context of colleagues, customers and the retail environment.
The launch of Embracing Neurodiversity forms part of Ben’s vision of an automotive family that thinks well, feels well, lives well and, in turn, is able to work well. A key focus for Ben is also on helping create an industry in which people can better understand and support one another, while recognising and valuing different ways of thinking, communicating and experiencing the world.
“We want our automotive family to feel confident in understanding and embracing neurodiversity, as we’re all unique,” said Julie Hayes, Specialist Services Lead at Ben. “This training gives people working in different parts of the industry practical knowledge about neurodivergence that they can use in their everyday lives and roles.
“Embracing Neurodiversity also shows that creating a more inclusive workplace does not always require big changes, it can often be small adjustments and greater understanding that make a real difference. Anyone can sign up to take part in our new training at a time to suit them, it’s very flexible. We hope you’ll find it useful!”
The Embracing Neurodiversity training is now available through Ben Training, with individuals encouraged to complete the pathway relevant to their area of work. To find out more about Ben Training, visit www.ben.org.uk/training.
