Survey Exposes Employee Concerns and Lack of
Understanding About Accommodations to Ask For in Their
Workplace
NEW
YORK, May 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --
Understood.org, a leading nonprofit empowering more than 70 million
neurodivergent people who have learning and thinking differences,
such as ADHD and dyslexia, today announced the results of a Harris
Poll of over 2,000 U.S. adults ages 18+. The poll shines a light on
the challenges and opportunities facing people with learning and
thinking differences, such as ADHD, dyslexia, or dyscalculia, in
the workplace.
New survey by Understood.org reveals
workplace stigma for neurodivergent employees.
According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA),
employers must provide reasonable accommodations to people with
disabilities, which includes those with learning and thinking
differences. However, for this group of employees, their
differences often go "unseen," leading to gaps in workplace
inclusivity and equity. This new survey found that most respondents
[69%] know that employers are required to provide accommodations to
employees with disabilities, yet six in ten [60%] feel there is a
stigma around asking for support.
The new survey also found that among respondents who are
neurodivergent or who have learning and thinking differences, 59%
worry that disclosing this would have a negative impact on their
career. Among all respondents who requested an accommodation,
nearly 1 in 4 [23%] said they lost their job or were demoted after
asking.
"Misrepresentation and misunderstandings significantly
contribute to the root causes of workplace stigma around
neurodiversity, specifically learning and thinking differences such
as ADHD and dyslexia," said Nathan
Friedman, co-president and chief marketing officer at
Understood. "Understood.org is committed to raising awareness of
learning and thinking differences to reduce stigma and to provide
the education and the resources that companies need to be more
inclusive and foster a sense of belonging."
The survey found that four in five individuals [85%] agree that
accommodations are a form of workplace equality and make the
workplace better for everyone [83%]. However, among people who are
neurodivergent or who have learning and thinking differences, 6 in
10 [60%] have no idea what accommodations they are entitled to, and
almost half [49%] do not know who to talk to about requesting a
workplace accommodation within their company.
"During this time when DEIB initiatives are being threatened,
it's more important than ever for neurodivergent employees to have
the resources they need to thrive at work," added Friedman. "It's
the right thing to do for you, your co-workers, the company, and
the community at large."
For more information and resources on workplace accommodations,
please visit u.org/work.
Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted online
within the United States by The
Harris Poll on behalf of Understood.org from April 11–15, 2024,
among 2,088 U.S. adults ages 18+, of whom 518 have been diagnosed
with ADHD, dyslexia, or dyscalculia, are neurodivergent, or have
"learning or thinking differences." The sampling precision of
Harris online polls is measured by
using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the full sample
data is accurate to within +/- 2.5 percentage points using a 95%
confidence level.
About Understood
Understood is a nonprofit focused on
shaping the world for difference. We raise awareness of the
challenges, skills, and strengths of people who learn and think
differently. Our resources help people navigate challenges, gain
confidence, and find support and community so they can thrive.
Together, we can build a world where everyone can reach their full
potential. Understood is a 501(c)(3) organization headquartered in
New York. For more information, to donate, or to partner, visit
u.org/media and follow us @UnderstoodOrg.
View original content to download
multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-survey-by-understoodorg-reveals-workplace-stigma-for-neurodivergent-employees-302147026.html
SOURCE Understood