Different minds, better workplaces: Neurodiversity Day at Neg Earth Lights
Different Minds, Better Ideas
Did you know that neurodiverse teams are proven to drive more innovation, adaptability and growth within a company? As a business that values trailblazing, this is something we actively strive to champion. We invited neurodiversity consultant Maisie Cass, to speak with us about designing work to fit people, not people to fit work. She also shared ways to reduce stigma and challenge common misconceptions around neurodiversity.
Building a more Inclusive Events Industry
Around 1 in 7 people in the UK are estimated to be neurodivergent; with the live events industry thought to have one of the highest proportions. However, many neurodiverse people may feel uncomfortable disclosing their condition to their employers due to fears of stigma, as behaviours are often labelled rather than understood. At Neg Earth, we place a strong value on community. As our Managing Director Pip Ridgway, emphasised, “We have a responsibility not just to recognise neurodiversity, but to truly understand it… Neurodiverse talent will reshape the future of our workforce, driving innovation, creativity, and resilience in ways we are only beginning to appreciate. The more we learn, the stronger, more inclusive, and more successful our organisation & community will become.”
From Awareness to Action: Supporting Neurodivergent Talent
During our session, we explored how to foster a more inclusive and supportive work culture – one built on compassion, curiosity and a genuine willingness to learn.
Many typical workplace practices – such as unspoken rules and complex office dynamics – can unintentionally create challenges for neurodivergent people. These environments can often lead to ‘masking’, where people feel the need to adapt their behaviour, which can result in burnout. Even individuals with the same condition may present it in very different ways. This means there is no singular approach to creating optimal working conditions.
The Future of work is inclusive
With over 40% of the workforce predicted to be neurodivergent by 2040, this session reinforced the importance of moving beyond assumptions and taking the time to understand individual needs – rather than expecting people to adapt to rigid ways of working. As Neg Earth places much emphasis on our community, we see this as an opportunity to actively shape a more inclusive and supportive workplace. By embedding the lessons shared by Maisie, we aim to create an environment where neurodiverse individuals feel understood, supported, and empowered within the workplace.
This means;
- fostering open conversations
- setting clear expectations
- approaching differences with curiosity rather than judgement.
Thank you again to Maisie for delivering this insightful workshop, and to all who attended.
Neurodiversity Training & Consultancy for Business and Education
