2020 was a year of unprecedented change. That word, ‘unprecedented’, please don't cringe……. I know it has been overused, but let’s be honest, it was unprecedented and 2021 looks set to continue on the same path.

The employment sector has had to rapidly shift its approaches to recruitment models, onboarding, and working from home. Internal and external professional communication, management styles, and flexibility has changed.

People have adapted and the autistic community have thrived with remote work and this ‘new’ normal and their employers are reaping the rewards of their high productivity and innovation due to less distractions in a traditional office environment.

Employees are a company’s greatest asset, in fact, they are their competitive advantage. Therefore, it is easy to realise why companies in the technology, banking, government, and law enforcement sectors are seeing their hiring of autistic people as a strategic advantage to help them tap into skill sets highly sought after.

So what are the advantages an autistic individual can bring to an organisation?

Pragmatic and unique thinking, an immersive approach to knowing and understanding, the ability to see the big picture but also to hone into specific detail, pattern recognition, and analytical thought processes are all common descriptors used to describe autistic skill sets. 

These skills are assets in accounting, design and architecture, editing, web developing, logistics, research, contract administration, and executive support to name a few.

Enhanced visual recall and excellent long term memory plus the ability to hyperfocus for long periods of time without distraction is the reason so many organisations are hiring autistic talent in surveillance, analysts, cyber security and why the Israeli Army has specialist intelligence units who consist entirely of autistic teens.

Who wouldn't want faster and more productive employees? Autistic employees are purpose driven, seek challenges and typically don't get involved in office banter and general time wasting.

A trait not always associated with the autistic community but it is a mistake to underestimate the out of the box thinking, imagination, creative ideas of these great autistic writers, inventors, artists, musicians, actors and scientists. As autism activist Temple Grandin has said: “The most interesting people you’ll find are ones that don’t fit into your average cardboard box.“

Loyalty and honesty are valued traits in any employee and coupled with a high retention rates, organisations are gaining talent who work hard and stay longer.

Examples of retention rates for autistic hires:

• SAP - 92%

• JPMorgan - 95%

• Microsoft - 92%

• and EY - 90%.

Chances are if you work in a sector mentioned above, you are already working with autistc individuals and benefiting from an outstanding solution focused employee.

If you’re not, ask yourself these questions:

• Why not?

• What am I missing out on?

• Could this be my competitive advantage?

Make 2021 the year you take the plunge and increase diversity in your team with an autistic hire. For more information on how Xceptional can help with this journey, contact us at info@xceptional.io.