Why Neuro-Inclusion Is the Key to Profitability | Dr Louise Morpeth, CEO of Brain in Hand

2025-11-18

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Episode Summary 90% of business leaders say they’re committed to inclusion — yet only half know how to support neuro-divergent staff. Dr Louise Morpeth reveals shocking research: 43% of neuro-divergent employees are ready to quit, but with the right adjustments businesses can unlock a 45% productivity boost, 24% higher retention, and £21,000 per person in savings. Discover the practical, low-cost steps that turn good intentions into profit.Chapters[00:00] Intro & Brain in Hand Overview[00:29] 90% of Leaders Want Incl...

Episode Summary
90% of business leaders say they’re committed to inclusion — yet only half know how to support neuro-divergent staff. Dr Louise Morpeth reveals shocking research: 43% of neuro-divergent employees are ready to quit, but with the right adjustments businesses can unlock a 45% productivity boost, 24% higher retention, and £21,000 per person in savings. Discover the practical, low-cost steps that turn good intentions into profit.

Chapters
[00:00] Intro & Brain in Hand Overview
[00:29] 90% of Leaders Want Inclusion – But Only 50% Know How
[00:55] What Is Neuro-divergence? (Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia + More)
[01:49] The Employee-Employer Disconnect
[02:16] 77% of HR Leaders Worried About Insufficient Support
[02:44] Creating Psychological Safety & Spotting Hidden Struggles
[03:44] 45% Productivity Boost + £21K Savings Per Person
[04:37] Simple Cultural Changes That Work for Everyone
[06:00] 43% Considering Leaving – How to Retain Neuro-Diverse Talent
[07:20] Cost-Effective Strategies (Start with Manager Training)
[08:18] First Steps to Build a Neuro-Inclusive Culture Tomorrow
[09:39] How Brain in Hand’s “Coach-in-Your-Pocket” Works
[11:05] Why Media Portrayals of Neuro-divergence Miss the Mark
[12:04] Resources & Close

Key Discussion Points

43% of neuro-divergent employees plan to leave in the next 12 months
Only 1 in 5 feel safe disclosing their condition to managers
Inclusive workplaces deliver 45% higher productivity, 24% better retention, 11 fewer sick days
Average financial saving: £21,000 per neuro-divergent employee per year
Simple fixes: “Work With Me” profiles, clear schedules, unambiguous communication
Manager confidence is the #1 barrier – and the biggest opportunity

Key Takeaways

Neuro-inclusion isn’t charity — it’s a proven profit driver
Start with psychological safety and manager training (biggest ROI)
Small adjustments (e.g., sending week-1 schedules early) reduce anxiety and boost performance
3 in 4 employers admit they’re missing untapped potential

Notable Quotes

“45% increase in productivity, 24% increase in retention, and £21,000 saved per person.” – Dr Louise Morpeth
“Only 1 in 5 neuro-divergent employees feel confident disclosing to their manager.” – Dr Louise Morpeth
“We need nuance — neuro-divergence is neither tragedy nor superpower, it’s individual.” – Dr Louise Morpeth

Actionable Insights for Businesses

Add a “Work With Me” section in onboarding for every employee (not just neuro-divergent)
Train managers on clear, unambiguous communication and reasonable adjustments
Join the Disability Confident scheme and signal adjustments in job ads
Run an anonymous staff survey to understand your neuro-diversity profile
Pilot Brain in Hand or similar digital + human coaching support

Resources