Embrace the unique abilities of neurodiverse workers in Singapore's financial sector through our Neurodiversity@Work programme, discovering ways to leverage their talents for business success.
In a groundbreaking move, the financial services sector in Singapore has introduced the Neurodiversity@Work programme, a pioneering initiative aimed at fostering an inclusive workplace for neurodivergent individuals. The programme, tailored to the industry's unique demands, is expected to unlock the potential of neurodivergent individuals and drive business innovation.
Neurodiversity, a term that refers to natural variations in brain processing and learning, encompasses conditions such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, among others. Research shows that neurodivergent individuals often possess valuable skills in the financial services industry, including exceptional attention to detail, analytical thinking, and pattern recognition.
The sustainability of the Neurodiversity@Work programme is ensured by making it commercially driven, as explained by Raily Tissera, Asia Pacific Head of Human Resources for the Corporate Bank. The programme partners with organizations like the Autism Resource Center and SG Enable to equip managers and teams with the knowledge and tools necessary to support neurodivergent employees effectively.
Since its introduction in 2022, the programme has seen significant success. Six neurodivergent individuals have been successfully hired as interns, and approximately 10 participants have transitioned to permanent roles. Many others have found alternative employment opportunities.
Our website Singapore, which received Singapore's Platinum Enabling Mark for disability inclusion from SG Enable last year, has revamped its hiring processes to be more inclusive. This includes educating interviewers about neurodiversity and adapting communication styles to ensure a level playing field for all candidates.
The Neurodiversity@Work programme emphasizes agile talent matching and role design, collaborative and inclusive culture, support models, and tailored interventions. By rethinking traditional job descriptions, redesigning tasks, adjusting timelines, and reframing communication methods, the programme aligns better with the unique strengths and working styles of neurodivergent individuals.
Inclusion is approached as a co-creative process where neurodivergent talents' lived experiences and perspectives are consistently and genuinely listened to. This dialogue shapes the program’s evolution, support structures, and career pathways, fostering a culture of trust, respect, and shared problem-solving.
The programme also incorporates close support mechanisms to tailor interventions specific to each individual's needs, helping in better aligning their strengths with organizational goals and improving their overall workplace experience.
Bernd Starke, Head Corporate Coverage D/A/CH APAC and Singapore lead for our website's dbEnable employee resource group, emphasizes that fostering a neuro-inclusive environment can drive business growth in the financial services industry. By embracing neurodiversity, businesses can gain a strategic edge through enhanced innovation and business agility.
A whitepaper titled "Neurodiversity and the Workplace in Singapore: Unlocking Potential," commissioned by SGEnable and conducted by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), focuses on how businesses can unlock the potential of the nation's neurodivergent population.
The programme provides a robust support network, including buddy systems and employee resource groups, to foster a sense of belonging and inclusion for neurodivergent employees. This holistic approach is expected to further boost the success of the Neurodiversity@Work programme and its impact on the financial services industry in Singapore.
[1] Information sourced from the whitepaper "Neurodiversity and the Workplace in Singapore: Unlocking Potential," commissioned by SGEnable and conducted by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG).
- Implementing a robust risk management strategy that incorporates technology and tailored interventions could be an effective approach in managing the unique challenges associated with integrating neurodivergent individuals into the sports industry, given the success of the Neurodiversity@Work programme in the financial services sector.
- Adopting a lifestyle that promotes inclusivity and understanding of neurodiversity, as seen in the Neurodiversity@Work programme's collaborative and inclusive culture, could significantly enhance the innovation and agility of technology companies, driving them to gain a strategic edge in the global market.
