· Insights

Supporting neurodiversity and mental health in the workplace

"Our services are designed to provide individuals with tailored strategies to overcome barriers, Clear Links' representative explains

In today's fast-paced and challenging work environment, businesses are increasingly recognising the importance of supporting the mental health and neurodiversity of their employees.

HR managers play a crucial role in creating a workplace culture that embraces diversity and provides the necessary support for all employees to thrive. Embracing neurodiversity in the workplace means acknowledging and appreciating the unique strengths and perspectives of neurodivergent individuals. It also involves creating an inclusive environment where employees feel comfortable disclosing their needs and accessing appropriate support.

There has been a great evolution in understanding the significant impact of ineffective support on businesses, including higher absenteeism, employee turnover, and lower productivity. In this article, we share our take on best practices, what it means to be a Disability Confident Leader, and our Proactive Support package, to get started today.

The temptation of tech as a one-size-fits-all solution

While technology has undoubtedly revolutionised the way we work, it's important to recognise that it shouldn’t be the sole solution in your toolbox for supporting neurodiversity and mental health in the workplace. Some (dare we say most?) employees would benefit from personalised, human-led, and specialist one-to-one support. Coaching and mentoring support can achieve 99% user satisfaction and transform a business’ approach to inclusivity.

This is where Clear Links comes in.

Benefits of human-led specialist disability support

As a Disability Confident Leader, we are committed to the development of inclusive workplaces.

Our team includes highly qualified specialists, many with lived experience of autism, mental health conditions and specific learning differences (SpLDs), who understand the unique challenges faced by individuals in the workplace.

We believe in the power of human connection and personalised support. Our services are designed to increase employee engagement, providing individuals with the tailored guidance and strategies they need to overcome barriers, boost their productivity, and increase their job satisfaction.

Our workplace coaching support: An example of effective one-to-one support

Our workplace coaching support role is tailored to the specific needs of each individual, and is delivered one-to-one by our disability support specialists. We support individuals with a range of conditions, including:

  • Mental health conditions
  • Specific learning differences (SpLDs) and
  • Autism spectrum conditions (ASC).

Support includes:

  • Coping strategy training to enable the employee to manage their workload better.
  • Developing practical strategies to help individuals maximise their skills and professional potential.
  • Improving and developing focus and concentration to increase work satisfaction and reduce demotivation, which often leads to a drop in productivity.
  • Managing and reducing work-related anxiety and resulting absences.
  • Help to improve relationships within the workplace and beyond, cementing an inclusive workplace culture.

Access to Work funding

Did you know that your employees may be eligible for Access to Work funding to cover the cost of our workplace coaching support service?

We work with employees and employers to help them navigate the funding application process. Access to Work is a government scheme that provides grants to employers to support employees with disabilities or long-term health conditions. The funding can be used for reasonable adjustments, including workplace coaching (fully funded, without the requirement for an employer’s contribution), specialist equipment, and other support services.

We appreciate that the application process for Access to Work can be lengthy, and that this funding doesn’t suit everyone. That is why we offer an interim Proactive Support package – a six-session programme to kickstart support with immediate strategies, as well as guidance for the Access to Work application, if required.

By utilising Access to Work funding, employers can deliver on their commitment to diversity and inclusion while also improving employee wellbeing, retention, and productivity.

Why choose Clear Links?

Specialist expertise, proven results. With a strong track record of quality, satisfaction and efficiency since 2006, we are a leading specialist support provider in the UK, ensuring employees receive the highest quality support tailored to their needs.

Our coaches are not only qualified and experienced but also bring a deep understanding and empathy to their support, thanks to thorough training and guidance from our support supervisors.

Upon referral to us, we swiftly match employees with a coach, typically within 10 hours. Support sessions are conveniently delivered online, tailored to fit around employees' work schedules and commitments.  

 Five reasons to choose Clear Links:

  • Personalised support, maximum impact: Our coaching is personalised to each employee's unique needs, ensuring they receive the right support at the right time, maximising effectiveness and impact.
  • Straightforward Access to Work: We guide and assist employers and their employees through the Access to Work application process.
  • Improved productivity and retention: Our impactful support boosts employees' confidence, independence, and ability to achieve their work goals. This translates into increased productivity, improved employee wellbeing, and reduced staff turnover, delivering significant cost savings for your organisation.
  • Reduced sick leave: By providing effective coping strategies and support, we help employees manage their challenges, leading to a positive impact on sick leave and associated costs.
  • High satisfaction, positive about work: Our consistently high 99% user satisfaction rate demonstrates the effectiveness of our support. Happy, supported employees are more engaged and perform better.  

Do you have an employee who may benefit from specialist support? Try our six-session interim Proactive Support package now. You can request a quote on our website or, if you need further information, book a chat with us today. We would love to help you build your inclusive and supportive workplace.