In this podcast, we are focusing on training neuro-diverse employees that have different challenges with executive function regulation. This is affecting our workplace because research shows that a large population of our current and future workforce has challenges with executive functions. College graduates are reporting a disability at a rate of nearly 20 percent, with ADHD disabilitiy forming part of these conditions.
Employees with neurodiversity struggle with different challenges including time management, emotional regulations, procrastination, organization, and motivation. This can not only affect their performance but also lead to anxiety and depression, leaving them frustrated with little motivation.
Just as weaknesses can pose challenges and derail ambitions of long-term employment, strengths may be developed through their disability and can have a positive effect and outcome. Employees with these challenges have a laser-like focus, attention span, and drive like no other. With the right strategies, tools, and mentoring, they can be the shining star of a company. Often, they are just the very person capable of turning a failing business around with fresh ideas, well-thought-out visions, and the drive to make it happen!
Companies can take advantage of this by offering apprenticeships, mentoring, and training programs to retain all of their employees, even those with executive function challenges, and empower them to perform with the company’s best interests in mind.
A sound employee apprenticeship or intern mentoring program can foster the positive attributes of all employees by establishing a best practice training plan with boundaries, routines, and clear expectations with high accountability. It will also foster a work environment that promotes community and self-empowerment. The result is a win-win for company productivity, lowering overall training costs and developing strong skillsets for future employees.
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Michelle Raz, is a career specialist & coach, owner of Razcoaching.com, author of Happiness+Passion+Purpose and Co-founder of Thrivister.com, an academic coaching company for high school and college students. As a Board-Certified Coach, she uses her expertise with executive functioning challenges to help people find their purpose and success in the workplace through the lens of ADHD. She has been contributing her knowledge and expertise in this field since 2010.
How To Create Great Employees: It is The Invisible Economic Strain In Our Workforce that you can change!
In this Episode Listen to Michelle Talk about this topic. Create great employees: In a labor market that is at a historic low, businesses are seeing a high rate of turnover and even ghosting in the workplace. It is a costly trend. Companies are seeing the value in shifting how they train to retain their employees. It is far less expensive to invest in quality training. A community mindset work culture that promotes employee retention is best; rather than continually training new employees. Also, this nurtured environment promotes employee’s self-worth. The end result is better work engagement and deeper relationships with fellow colleagues.
The result is better morale, work productivity and lower employee turnover rates!
The positive workplace connections and better knowledge base for the demands of their job has the potential for big payoffs. It is a benefit for the company in reduced hiring costs as well. This creates a win-win scenario. Talks of expanding apprenticeship programs are on the rise.
In order for the efforts to be successful, it is important to understand what challenges this group faces. As a result, this will ensure quality training for the companies that want to train and hire them.
According to research, there are approximately 20 million college students who entered college in the fall of 2018. 19.4% self-reported having a disability. This number has nearly doubled from 10 years ago and the impact on the educational system has been tremendous. Colleges across the U.S. are developing programs to meet the needs of these diverse students. The most prevalent disability is ADHD, a neurologically based disorder.
Of the students surveyed, 79% of the students who reported a disability listed ADHD as their challenge.
As these students enter our workforce, it would be beneficial for us to help them transition with strong skillsets. Often, these neurologically diverse groups need specific guidance and training. Unfortunately, skill sets may be assumed and overlooked for the average employee. This invisible disability flies under the radar and yet has a very impactful effect on job success.
“knowledge itself is power.”
Michelle R. Raz, M.A. Ed., is a professional executive function coach and educational consultant. Raz Coaching specializes in helping people with executive function challenges find careers they will love and land them. Read more at www.razcoaching.com/about Or sign up for the weekly blog. Or purchase my new book Happiness+Passion+Purpose. It is full of exercises and strategies you can put to use immediately.
Your Challenges Are The Key To Enhancing Your Career
When you feel like you’re grinding through your life, faced with challenges that seem to go on and on and you wonder what good could ever come of them. You may think your challenges are the universe testing you for some unimaginable reason, but I know you can draw on them to substantially enhance not only your career but all of your life.