Neurodiversity & payroll
With Cybill Watkins
1. It's a stable industry which offers longevity as a career.
2. It provides a structured environment with regularity, clear expectations and minimal social contact, which can make it a safe and calm environment for people who prefer this.
3. The need for close attention to detail, fairness and adhering to rules can play into the strengths that some people who are neurodivergent may have in spades.
Stability
You know what has to be done and when
Strict deadlines
Qualifications can be done ‘on the job’ rather than studying from a text book or in formal educational environments
So many common neurodivergent traits are celebrated in the profession
The software may be different and change, but the principles remain the same
There's opportunity to specialise in an area or diversify your skills
Many neurodivergent people face obstacles in the world of work.
And despite being an ideal career path for certain people who have neurodivergent traits, working in payroll still contains these challenges.
Getting overwhelmed
Frustrated when external departments don’t follow deadlines
Explaining issues or answering questions in layman's terms
Sensitivities
Unable to speak with strangers
Company processes not being followed
Periods of hyperactivity / quietness
Burnout
Mental health challenges
Neurodivergent people may be, for example:
Loyal
Dedicated
Hyper-focused
Able to find the proverbial needle in a haystack
Able to multitask
Adhere to deadlines
Able to see problems from multiple angles
“Obsessed” over a task until completion
Like everyone, each neurodivergent person is unique and brings their own skills, experiences and expertise to the role they're in.
Any business which avoids hiring neurodivergent people - whether accidentally or deliberately - is therefore missing out on unique skills that could contribute towards its success. As neurodivergent people are expected to account for 20% of the population, this is a massive talent pool businesses should take seriously.
Besides this, being neurodivergent in its name means to have a mind that works differently to neurotypical people. This means they can bring a unique perspective and different thought processes to their job. This can benefit discussions, and aid in problem solving by providing alternative solutions.
