A collaborative effort to foster professional environments where everyone can thrive
Raising awareness on neurodiversity in the workplace and on how promoting it boosts productivity and the establishment of a landscape in which each talent is free to develop, is a challenge that needs the expertise of different figures. In fact, a broad selection of stakeholders, from VET professionals to policymakers, from trade unions to Civil Society Organisations, ensures diverse perspectives, thus an enriched, more effective approach. That is exactly the strategy that the Neurodiverse Workplaces in Europe Community of Practice (CoP) is adopting.
This initiative is part of the results produced by the Erasmus+ project NEW – Neurodiversity at Work, and it has the purpose of sharing best practices, exchanging successful policies that promote neurodiversity in workplaces and connecting stakeholders across Europe that can join their efforts towards a common goal. The aim is not only raising awareness about the topic, especially in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and implementing best practices that foster inclusion, but also encouraging the continuous learning of all the actors involved towards a better and broader workplace inclusivity.
As already mentioned, different subjects are the perfect target for this community, such as VET trainers, HR and DEI managers and professionals, policymakers, specialised organisations working directly with neurodivergent persons and consultants. In order to join, the new member will be required to sign a Memorandum of Understanding, which illustrates not only the aims of the community and its code of conduct, but also the commitment required and the benefits that it offers. On the one hand, active participation, knowledge sharing, implementation of practices and contribution to policy development to support neurodivergent employees are fundamental aspects that have to be agreed upon. On the other hand, networking opportunities, participation to national and transnational events, availability of resources and support for the implementation of inclusive workplaces practices and improved capacity to identify and secure EU funding sources to support neurodiversity-themed projects are within reach of the NEW CoP members.
The Community of Practice launched at the end of October 2024 and its LinkedIn group is already full of valuable contributions from the members that have already decided to be an active part of it. The NEW partnership invites you to join yourself following this link and start your professional journey towards building more inclusive workplaces for each individual.
To learn more, visit the CoP page on the NEW project’s website or write at marchetta@azione.com.
The NEW project has been funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
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Author of the article: Chiara Marchetta (EU project manager)
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