Real Change in Action: How One Retail Giant Transformed Their Neurodiversity Culture

Last month I had the privilege of working with one of my retail clients on something spectacular!

The Challenge: They have a strong neurodiverse team who are brilliant at their jobs but felt unable to be open about their needs. People were exhausting themselves trying to fit into systems that weren't designed for how their brains work, and they were losing talent they couldn't afford to lose.

What we've scheduled in for the Autumn Term: 🧠 All Senior leadership will attend a 1hr neurodiversity awareness session

🤝 All Managers will attend a confidence-building workshop on reasonable adjustments (5.5 hrs)

💬 We're creating a safe space for open conversations about different thinking styles by highlighting Champions throughout the organisation

📊 We're implementing a simple, practical support system for the entire workforce

Our projected predictions by Christmas 2025:

✅ Team engagement scores up 34% ✅ Inclusion index improved by 28% ✅ Neurodivergent team members stepping into leadership roles ✅ Staff turnover in key departments reduced by 40%

But here's the bit that really got me...

In our first session, one team member told their manager: "For the first time in my career, I feel like my brain is seen as an asset, not a problem."

The Real Transformation? When a company invests in their people this way, it transforms hearts and minds, not just policies.

When leaders genuinely understand what neurodiversity brings - the different strengths (not deficits) and a wider diversity of talent - everything shifts.

Your turn: What's one small step your organisation could take this week to better support neurodiverse colleagues?

P.S. If you're struggling with where to start on neurodiversity inclusion, Take a look at the Neurodiversity session on the website : https://www.peterlarkum.com/thrive-courses