Cognitive inclusion in DEI emphasizes creating workplaces that embrace diverse thinking styles, benefiting all employees. Inspired by neurodivergent inclusion, this approach enhances productivity, engagement, and innovation by fostering a supportive culture without the need for formal disclosures.

In an insightful interview with Sabine van Ditzhuijzen, part of the What the DEI? film project, the focus is on the strengths neurodivergent individuals—such as those with ADHD, autism, or dyslexia—bring to organizations. Sabine highlights how ADHD fosters innovation, autism enhances pattern recognition, and dyslexia drives visionary thinking. She also shares thought leader Lisa Colledge's belief that neurodivergence may impact up to 30% of the population, much higher than the WHO's 15% estimate. The interview emphasizes the need to reframe conversations about inclusion to unlock the untapped potential of neurodivergent talent.

Cognitive diversity, or the range of different thinking styles within a team, is essential for effective problem-solving, surpassing the importance of visible demographic diversity. While ethnic, gender, or age diversity doesn't impact problem-solving outcomes, a mix of cognitive styles enhances creativity and innovation. Cultivating a culture that supports various thinking approaches and encourages open communication and trust can significantly boost team performance and organizational success.

Introducing neurodiversity-inclusion through employee resource groups often burdens neurodivergent individuals with repeated accommodation requests, leading to fatigue and burnout. A top-down, leadership-driven cultural change is essential for true inclusion. By fostering a supportive and adaptive culture, organizations can reduce the need for individual accommodations, ensuring all employees thrive and enhancing overall performance and innovation.

Traditional diversity programs often focus on single identities, limiting inclusion. Cognitive inclusion, which embraces diverse thinking styles, offers a universal approach to DEI that benefits everyone without relying on labels or disclosures. Learning from neurodivergence, such as using precise language, fosters positive traits, flexible thinking, and healthier workplaces, unlocking better outcomes for all.

A neuro-inclusive culture fosters a work environment that embraces cognitive diversity, benefiting both neurodivergent and neurotypical employees by valuing diverse ways of thinking and problem-solving. By focusing on skills and outcomes rather than conforming to standard processes, this approach enhances inclusion across all diversity dimensions, such as age, gender, ethnicity, and ability. It promotes collaboration, shared accountability, and long-term adaptability, creating a resilient and supportive organizational culture where everyone can contribute their best, ultimately driving innovation and success.