Creating Fairer Workplaces for Neurodivergent People

New Report Highlights What Neurodivergent People and Employers Need — and What Happens Next
Sleeping Giants has published the findings from Creating Fairer Workplaces for Neurodivergent People, an in-depth piece of research funded by South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE). Phase 1 of the project brought together the voices of 94 local managers and 60 neurodivergent employees to understand what helps – and what gets in the way – of people thriving at work.

Key Findings from Phase 1
The research showed a clear pattern: neurodivergent people across Dumfries and Galloway are still facing barriers that are entirely preventable.

Neurodivergent people told us:

• They often worry about being judged or seen as less capable if they disclose their needs.
• Sensory challenges, unpredictable workloads and constant change can leave them overwhelmed and exhausted.
• Many simply want kindness, respect, and safe spaces to talk openly, with or without a diagnosis.

Employers told us:

• Most want to do better and are committed to more inclusive practice.
• Lack of confidence and know-how often gets in the way, especially when balancing adjustments with the pressures of busy workplaces.
• They welcomed practical tools such as staff passports, clearer HR guidance, and accessible, locally-relevant training rooted in understanding rather than ‘tick-box’ exercises.

Across both groups, one theme stood out: awareness and understanding are the foundations of fairer workplaces, but this has to be backed up by everyday practice, compassionate leadership, and simple, consistent adjustments that support all staff.

Why This Matters for Dumfries and Galloway
Our region has the lowest disability employment rate in Scotland — 39.3% compared with the national average of 50.7%. There is clear appetite for change, and employers told us that inclusive workplaces are critical for recruiting and retaining staff in a tight labour market. There is also a significant gap in local provision of neurodiversity training.
Sleeping Giants has been widely encouraged by partners to lead this work, helping to build a stronger, fairer and more neuroaffirming employment landscape across the South of Scotland.
 
What Happens Next: A New Phase of Action
Thanks to new investment from the Dumfries and Galloway Social Enterprise Grant, Sleeping Giants will now move from research into action. Between November 2025 and February 2026, we will:

1. Build a regional partnership for change
We will strengthen relationships with public bodies, employers, funders and lived experience partners, and convene the first Neuroaffirming Workplaces Partnership Group. This will create a shared foundation for long-term regional impact.

2. Develop priority training and tools
Using the evidence from Phase 1, we will identify the most impactful tools and approaches for employers, such as inclusive recruitment guidance, strengths-based management, and support around staff passports.
We will also design and pilot 2–3 training products, ready for employers to buy straight away. These will be co-designed with neurodivergent people and tested with local partners.

3. Design a fully costed 2-year pilot project
This will set out a clear, scalable model for making neuroaffirming practice the norm across Dumfries and Galloway. It will also position Sleeping Giants for future investment from regional and national funders, including opportunities linked to the Fair Work agenda.

What This Means for Employers and Neurodivergent People
Over the coming months we’ll developing the foundations for a new project which (if funded) will allow us to develop tools, training and partnerships that in turn will:

• increase employer confidence
• make adjustments easier to agree and maintain
• support managers to lead with compassion
• improve recruitment and retention
• create workplaces where neurodivergent people feel valued, safe and able to thrive

​The early signs are promising.  Partners who joined our planning event have already endorsed Sleeping Giants as the regional organisation best placed to lead this work.
We will continue sharing updates as the next phase of the project unfolds.