Neurodivergent workers 'would rather quit jobs than speak up about barriers' 

The new certificate in CPD in Neurodiversity in the Workplace is the first university-accredited course in this area anywhere in the world and was developed by Adult Continuing Education at UCC.

Many workers with conditions such as ADHD or autism would rather quit their jobs then challenge workplace barriers, coordinator of a new course at University College Cork warned.

These conditions and others including learning disabilities are often grouped together as neurodivergence, meaning they see the world differently to many other people do.

Programme coordinator with Adult and Continuing Education at UCC Eleanore McSherry said: “Many neurodivergent workers would quit rather than speak up on issues they face” in relation to modern workplace cultures.

She called for “a culture of inclusion to take away that fear”.

Ms McSherry will work on a joint UCC and BioPharmaChem Skillnet Cert in CPD. This hopes to share information which could help promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the BioPharmaChem sector here.

“As someone who is neurodivergent, and who has a neurodivergent son it is important to me that people are educated about what neurodiversity is,” she said.

“My son's generation has worked hard to navigate the educational system to overcome barriers to get their qualifications and they are ready to work.” 

“Unfortunately, many neurodivergent workers within the industry are afraid to say they have issues and would rather walk away from the workplace than let anyone know,” she said.

We need to create a culture of inclusion, to take away that fear and this can only be achieved through education. 

"Education is the most important element in removing barriers to employment. It also creates an inclusive culture that is important to all of the workforce and to retaining valuable talented workers.” 

The new certificate in CPD in Neurodiversity in the Workplace is the first university-accredited course in this area anywhere in the world and was developed by Adult Continuing Education (ACE) at UCC.

It is aimed at directors, supervisors, managers and anyone with an interest in creating a culture of inclusion in their workplace.

“It is estimated that 15% to 20% of the population are neurodiverse,” Ms McSherry said.

“The workplace is changing and an agile approach to learning and development is essential to foster inclusion and develop a diverse talent pool.” 

Lyndsey El Amoud, deputy director in Adult Continuing Education at ACE, said the biopharmaceutical industry was rapidly expanding. 

"[It is] set to increase by 10,000 jobs in the next five years," she said. 

It is vital that we start now, educating and training teams in the area of neurodiversity to create a welcoming culture that is understanding and can adapt to the needs of neurodiverse people.

Applications close on Friday for the 12-week course. 

The programme is funded by BioPharmaChem Skillnet and applications are open to employees in the BioPharmaChem industry.

Further information and registration details are available online from the UCC / ACE website.