Neurodiversity @ Work
After teaching in schools for 18 years I decided to take the plunge and embark on a self-employed life. Driven by my passion for teaching children with special educational needs I set out to discover alternative ways to make education accessible to all. My vision was to have the individual in mind, with their own strengths and challenges, and with that came the birth of ‘edYOUcation Clare Francis’; bringing the YOU into learning.
After contacting Dyslexia Gibraltar I started to tutor children with dyslexia. My focus was on working on their executive functioning skills; developing a holistic approach to learning incorporating study skills, memory techniques and improving focus. I spent some time teaching my students how our brains are wired for growth and that how we think and what we say to ourselves will have an impact on our learning, this improved their metacognition and helped them grow in confidence.
As my business grew I had more and more neurodivergent students enrol, and the more I experienced my students’ challenges and learnt about their strengths the more I saw the need to advocate for inclusion in both education, and the workplace. I saw the strengths neurodivergent individuals demonstrated and the value in having a neurodiverse workforce.
So what exactly does neurodiversity mean and how can we make sure we are inclusive?
Neurodiversity refers to the natural differences in human brains and how they work. It includes everyone, whether neurodivergent or neurotypical. Like biodiversity, but with human brains!
When we think of inclusion it is easy to fall into the assumption that this simply means allowing an individual to take part, rather than making adjustments, which is what true inclusion requires. When employing an individual who uses a wheelchair, physical accessibility would be considered. Likewise, when employing an individual who is neurodivergent, accessibility to the job requirements need to be thought of. That is, reasonable adjustments should be put in place.
So what type of adjustments are we talking about? And what is considered to be ‘reasonable’?
When it comes to adjustments the list is extensive and a workplace needs assessment would need to be done to establish which adjustments would be required. Having said this, there are certain adjustments that can be made standard to ensure inclusion is of high value to the business. From staff training to support an inclusive culture at work, to the correct font being used to be dyslexia friendly, to using pastel coloured paper and providing alternative interview processes and environments in which to work in, there are many things which can be made policy to support neurodivergent individuals which will not hinder neurotypical employees. Having an inclusive policy which ensures such measures are always in place means the need for individual workplace needs assessments will be reduced.
It is important to note the word ‘reasonable’ when considering making reasonable adjustments. A workplace needs assessor will not just evaluate the individual’s needs. They will always consider the suitability of the job role, the size of the cost and how this fits with the size of the company. They will consider the impact of the adjustments to the business, employer and colleagues. When requesting a workplace needs assessment to be done you will find that most recommended adjustments are cost effective, easy to implement and benefit all involved.
So why bother with it all?
The increase of neurodivergent individuals is often talked about. Is it due to faster and more accurate diagnosis? Is it to do with our food? Is it a result of modern technology use and change of lifestyle? In my opinion, the answer to these questions is: who cares?
Could it be that, as with biodiversity, neurodiversity is needed? That our brains are evolving? Adapting?
With ‘Dyslexic Thinking’ now being a skill in LinkedIn, and companies such as Microsoft, Google Cloud and Ford Motor Company actively seeking neurodivergent talent via their recruitment process, more employers are beginning to focus on the benefits and strengths of a neurodiverse workforce.
Problem solving, innovation, outside the box thinking, attention to detail, being able to work under pressure and creativity are but a few of the skills associated with individuals with dyslexia, ADHD and ASD for example.
With the rapidly growing use of A.I etc it is not surprising that measures of intelligence and sought after employability skills are changing. To quote Richard Branson, a proud dyslexic:
“In this new world, thinking differently is your biggest asset.” (Intelligence 5.0 report, Made By Dyslexia 2024).
With local businesses seeking advice on how to become more inclusive and the ministry of Equality’s SNDO team ensuring their 40 Supported Needs and Disability Coordinators received training on Neurodiversity and Inclusion in the Workplace, I’m excited to see neurodiverse workforces positively impacting our community.
SHARE THIS
OTHER
When stakeholder conversations become difficult, most organisations focus on communication. Kerstin Andlaw argues the real issue runs deeper. It is not what we say, but how we stay in the relationship when pressure rises. In complex environments, the ability to work with tension, not avoid it, is what separates transactional engagement from true collaboration.
Gibraltar has long been home to many international businesses. Gaming giants, UK-based insurance companies and far-flung fintech firms are all drawn here thanks to our strategic location and business-friendly environment. Carl Clavering moved his insurance business to Gibraltar, and it’s safe to say, it’s transformed his life. When I caught up with Carl, it was clear that his decision to relocate wasn't just about tax advantages or access to the UK market —it was about finding a place that felt like home, both for his business and his family.
Since 2007, Earth Hour has been known as the biggest hour for the planet as millions of people switch their “lights off” as a symbolic action for the environment
Mental health issues affect us all. How we manage our daily stresses and anxieties have an impact on our relationships, how we perform in our job and the workplace environment, and our outlook on life. Becoming self-aware of what affects us, managing how we respond to triggers and using tools to help us work through them, are all part of our journey towards MENTAL FITNESS, which is how we should be positively defining it.
2 mins |
Business Plan Essentials
You have a brilliant idea. You can picture the logo, the customers, maybe even the first sale. But without a clear plan for how to get there, the idea risks staying exactly that - an idea. Starting a business without a plan is like setting off on a trip with no map. You might eventually arrive somewhere, but it is unlikely to be where you hoped. A business plan is not just paperwork. When written with care, it is a roadmap that guides every decision, a pitch that wins support, and a source of confidence on the days when challenges mount.
When you’re a small business, staying one step ahead of the competition is essential. Yet, many small business owners grapple with the decision to invest in employee training and development. With limited resources and immediate financial pressures, it can unintentionally get pushed to the bottom of the priority list. However, investing in your team’s learning and development is a strategic move that can yield significant returns.
Did you know that what you eat directly affects your energy levels, brain function, and stress resilience? Poor dietary habits—such as skipping meals, consuming too much caffeine, or relying on processed foods—can lead to energy crashes, brain fog, and reduced efficiency. On the other hand, a well-balanced diet stabilises blood sugar, enhances cognitive function, and keeps stress levels in check.
In an age where small businesses must adapt to stay in business, outsourcing has long been a way to enhance efficiency and streamline operations. Derived from the simple philosophy of delegating certain non-core tasks to external experts, outsourcing allows businesses to concentrate on their primary objectives and strengths. For the uninitiated, it's about seeking external expertise for tasks outside your comfort zone, skills base or business's main expertise.
We’ve said it before and it’s only getting louder: AI is reshaping how businesses work. From chatbots and smart analytics to automated content and decision-making tools, AI is helping smaller firms punch well above their weight. But with that power comes responsibility. As AI use grows, so do the risks around data privacy, and under GDPR, getting it wrong can mean serious fines and lasting reputational damage.
We recently provided a large local organisation with their uniforms. Once the order was delivered, I felt compelled to send them guidelines on how to take care of their uniform. Spending money on clothes and footwear is not a guarantee on making the right impression, either to yourself, nor anyone else- it’s attention to detail that seals the deal.
Who doesn’t love a good office gossip? Hushed conversations by the coffee machine, knowing glances across the office, colleagues who "just thought you should know" – it’s all just harmless banter, right? Not quite. While gossip might seem like an inevitable part of office life, the reality is much less entertaining. Workplace backbiting can destroy trust, drain morale, and impact team productivity. Few people understand this better than Norwegian psychotherapist Glenn Rolfsen. With over two decades of experience in psychotherapy, Glenn has dedicated his career to helping businesses tackle workplace negativity head-on. His innovative "Gozzip" method has been transforming office cultures worldwide, earning him recognition at TEDx talks and WHO conferences.
Raju Purswani examines Ted Baker’s fall, sharing sharp lessons for entrepreneurs: stay true to your brand, beware of overhauls that alienate customers, and balance growth with identity. A cautionary tale with insights every business can learn from.
When you’ve been running your own business for a while, you know what works, and it’s easy to rely on the skills that got you to where you are. Chances are, you’re comfortable doing things in a certain way, and your team knows what to expect from your leadership style.
There’s something slightly uncomfortable about sending a contract to a client when you run a small business. Especially in Gibraltar, where relationships matter and business often begins with a conversation over un cafelito rather than a legal document. When you know someone personally, or you’ve been introduced by a mutual contact, it can feel unnecessary to formalise everything. You tell yourself that an email thread is enough. Or that you’ll sort the paperwork later. I used to think like that. Over time, and through a few situations that were more stressful than they needed to be, I’ve realised that putting things in writing isn’t about distrust. It’s about creating guardrails for growth. The clearer the boundaries, the freer you are to focus on doing good work.
Pets are like family, right? As a proud cat dad, I’d actually go further and say that they are family. Over the years, I have spent my well-earned money on (many) toys, beds, treats and vet bills for my two feline furballs Nacho and Drake. And I am not alone. According to a recent Fortune Business Insight report, the global pet care market was valued at a massive £171.78 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow from £180.06 billion in 2023 to £269.29 billion by 2030.
In the latest edition of Thrive, regular contributor John Hayes reflects on the uncertainty facing small and medium-sized businesses in Gibraltar. From Brexit fallout to ever-changing frontier delays, he unpacks why the border remains a top concern—and how local firms are adapting. While resolving post-Brexit cross-border issues is beyond the scope of this correspondent, there are practical steps business owners can take to mitigate and manage the challenges of this uncertainty.
3 mins |
How to: Brainstorm
If you’ve been dreaming of starting your own business, you’re not alone. Data from the UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that the annual number of companies registered is edging closer to the one million mark, that’s up by 75,000 in 2022 which itself was 30,000 higher than in 2021. Whether it's following a passion, aiming for financial independence, or breaking free from the 9-5 grind, every entrepreneurial journey begins with one crucial thing: a solid idea. But coming up with that perfect idea can be tough. This is where brainstorming comes in—it’s the creative springboard that can help you turn your business dreams into reality.
Starting and running a small business is rewarding but comes with its fair share of challenges. The path of entrepreneurship is often characterised by immense dedication, long hours, and tough decisions. As a small business owner, you're not just responsible for the operations and growth of your company and team, but also for your own wellbeing.
Whether you’re building a business from the ground up or hoping to grow an existing operation, having a strong business development strategy is the foundation of success. But real, sustainable growth doesn’t come from chasing the next big thing, it comes from getting the essentials right. So, what are the fundamentals you can’t afford to ignore? In my view, this starts with something I call the “Holy Trinity” of small business marketing...
Imposter syndrome is a psychological behaviour where individuals, including many high achievers, struggle with persistent feelings of self-doubt, inadequacy, or the fear of being exposed as a fraud. Despite their achievements, those experiencing imposter syndrome believe they are undeserving of their success or worry that they've misled others into overestimating their abilities.