Neurodivergent employee "heard and understood" thanks bosses and colleagues support
Ashleigh Bishop is encouraging businesses to make the most of the "unique skills" offered by neurodivergent people
A Wiltshire woman with neurodivergence is encouraging businesses across the county to make the most of the unique skills neurodivergent people can bring to the workplace.
Ashleigh Bishop found out she has autism two years ago, shortly after joining Wiltshire Council.
"It came as a bit of a shock, but at the same time, it explained a lot," she told Greatest Hits Radio.
In previous jobs, before discovering about her autism, working had presented a challenge to Ashleigh.
"I used to work in care. I was burnt out, overwhelmed and it was just exhausting. And there were days I just did not want to go to work," she said. After leaving the care industry, she job hopped for a bit, which she said isn't uncommon for autistic people, but struggled to find the right environment.
Eventually, she landed at Wiltshire Council as an Apprentice Facilities and Asset Management Support Officer, describing it as "the best decision I've ever made".
Ashleigh said she's been on a journey learning about herself in the role, discovering what her tolerances are, how much she can achieve before needing to step away for a short break. She told us it's been a two-way learning curve with her bosses and colleagues.
"I'm often encouraged to take breaks if I get stressed or overwhelmed, so I just go out for a little walk to take a deep breath and calm down, then come back.
"They're also incredibly supportive in terms of workload. They say, you know, if something's too much, just let us know and we'll support you with that," she said.
Ashleigh told us her colleagues are "a godsend" and "I don't know what I'd do without them", adding that having the support of her organisation is like being wrapped up warm with a hot chocolate on a cold winter's day.
Neurodivergent employees are protected by the Equality Act, which compels businesses to support them without discrimination.
But Ashleigh told us people with neurodivergence can offer unique skills to boost the working environment.
"We could recognise patterns that neurotypical people might miss. We can be good with numbers, we're also very perceptive, which is something that I myself am as well, so I can usually pick out the tiniest little details that most people on my team will miss," she said.
Ashleigh added that by supporting a neurodivergent person in the workplace, they're afforded the chance to grow into their role, utilising their skills to benefit the business.
"When we become comfortable in an environment, we're given that support, we will excel at what we do," she said.
She told us it's vital to have a diverse workforce, as it helps bring different perspectives and new ideas, highlighting her own creative contribution in her job.
"When it comes to documents to help new starters with the job that we do, I often end up designing them because of my creative background, so that, not only are they user friendly, but if the person is neurodivergent, they'll have an easier time understanding the material they have.
"I also like to add some nice little pictures and colours just to make it more interesting because there's nothing worse than just reading block text paragraph, so I put that to good use in the team."
Cllr Mel Jacob, Cabinet Member for Communities, Engagement and Corporate Services, said the authority is "proud" of its commitment to neurodiversity and disability inclusion.
“As part of our inclusive recruitment approach, we offer a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates who meet all essential criteria and identify as having a disability. Our inclusive interviewing guidance ensures fair and accessible recruitment practices.
“We also have a dedicated Neurodiversity Group, which is part of our Carer and Disability Staff Network. Our staff networks play a key role in shaping HR policy and directly into our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, helping shape corporate decision-making.
“To support understanding, we offer a wide range of neurodiversity training for all colleagues, including tailored sessions for managers. And to support wellbeing at work, we provide quiet workspaces for those who need them.”