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As the world grapples with unprecedented complexity, organizations search for fresh perspectives and unconventional talent pools to navigate disruptive forces and forge innovative solutions. Enter neurodiversity: a vibrant tapestry of unique cognitive styles associated with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurodevelopmental differences. These emerging communities and rising generations hold immense potential to enrich organizations with novel ideas and unconventional approaches. Yet, despite a blossoming public awareness, many neurodivergent individuals remain locked out of meaningful employment, their unique talents remaining untapped until the workplace becomes more neuro-inclusive. This symposium tackles this critical gap, presenting empirical research on innovating in the workplace to support the neurodiverse workforce of the future. We delve into the crucial aspects of selection, retention, and performance, engaging with diverse stakeholders – neurodivergent individuals, hiring managers, and HR professionals – to gain multi- level insights. When Does Disclosure of Autism Help? Exploring Factors that Could Affect Ratings of Job Candidates Author: Debra R. Comer; Hofstra U. Author: Janet A. Lenaghan; Hofstra U. Author: Andrea Pittarello; Stony Brook U.-State U. of New York Author: Daphna Motro; Hofstra U. A Strengths-Based Perspective of the Work Experiences of Autistic Professionals Author: Michelle Checketts; U. of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Safe Spaces For Neurodivergent Employees In Ableist Workplaces: A Longitudinal Study Author: Frederike Scholz; Hogeschool Utrecht Author: Luca Smeets; Fontys U. of Applied Sciences Author: Amber Kersten; Tilburg U. Author: Marianne Van Woerkom; Tilburg U. Author: Manon Krabbenborg; Fontys U. of Applied Sciences Author: Joanna Szulc; Gdansk U. of Technology Job Crafting Among Autistic Workers Author: Jennifer R. Spoor; La Trobe U. Author: Simon Bury; Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, La Trobe U. Author: Susan Hayward; latrobe U. Author: Darren Hedley; La Trobe U. Author: Claire Brown; La Trobe U. Author: Cheryl Dissanayake; La Trobe U. Neurodiversity Organizational Maturity Model: Components, Determinants and Assessment Author: Michal T. Tomczak; Gdansk U. of Technology, Faculty of Management and Economics Author: Lukasz Sienkiewicz; Gdansk U. of Technology, Faculty of Management and Economics Author: Katarzyna Stankiewicz; Gdansk U. of Technology, Faculty of Management and Economics [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We extend current debates on organizational equality, diversity and inclusion to a consideration of neurodivergence (i.e., diversity in the human brain and cognition) in the smart work context (i.e., fully flexible work arrangement where employees can work outside their office). Drawing on the demands-control-support model of job demands we qualitatively explore how a neuro-inclusive job design in the context of smart work can be created. We do so by building on the results of 34 semi-structured interviews with neurodivergent individuals, experts in neurodiversity at work, and individuals whose day-to-day tasks include therapy and cooperation with neurodivergent adults. Our analysis of over 24 hours of interview recordings emphasized that each individual is different. Not only will neurodivergent employees have unique perceptions of what constitutes demands and support but they will also have specific preferences in terms of exerting control over their working life. Our findings emphasize the need to move away from universal HR as a route to positive employee outcomes in order to be able to facilitate a more accurate reflection of organizational reality for disadvantaged members of society. We contribute to the existing scant literature on the topic of job design and neurodiversity and we prompt employers to offer working arrangements that better suit employees' unique needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]