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28 Mar

Creating an inclusive workplace by supporting employees with a brain injury

Inclusive workplace with headphones

For businesses, creating an inclusive and supportive environment isn’t just about meeting compliance. It’s about building a company culture that values diversity and maximises the potential of every team member. Employees with brain injury bring a unique perspective and lived experience to the workplace.      

Understanding brain injuries in the workplace 

To effectively support employees with brain injuries, it’s essential to first understand the brain itself. The brain consists of numerous interconnected parts, each playing a vital role in our overall functioning. Because of this complexity, every brain injury is unique, leading to a different recovery journey for each individual. By learning about the specific areas of the brain that have been affected and how these injuries impact daily activities, employers can better understand and provide the necessary support for their employees.  

Some of the common challenges employees with a brain injury may face include: 

  • Fatigue: It is common for individuals to experience fatigue. Understanding employee’s limits and workloads can help manage fatigue. Read our fatigue fact sheet to learn more.  
  • Memory: Short-term memory loss after a brain injury can be difficult for individuals. There are various coping strategies that can help to manage these challenges and improve memory difficulties. Read our memory problems and tips fact sheet.  
  • Sensory sensitivities: Individuals can experience sensory overload in workplace environments that contain excessive stimuli. Creating a calmer workplace environment will benefit the productivity of the entire workplace, while also supporting individuals with brain injury. 

Benefits of inclusion 

Inclusion in the workplace can provide a strategic advantage that can help to drive innovation, improve financial performance, and enhances employee satisfaction. Diverse teams can lead to better problem-solving and decision-making because they bring different perspectives and ideas to the workplace. Research shows that companies with a more inclusive culture are 36% more likely to outperform their peers financially. Inclusive hiring is a practical way to find a wider range of talent, which can lead to employees being more engaged and in turn help to lower employee turnover. When companies embrace diversity, they not only show they care about social responsibility but also create a workplace that mirrors the diverse communities they serve. This approach can help to strengthen relationships with clients and customers. In the end, focusing on inclusion is not just the right thing to do; it’s also a smart strategy for building strong teams and ensuring long-term success for the business. 

Practical steps to support employees 

Some simple practical steps can help employers create an inclusive workplace for individuals to thrive back at work.  

  • Flexible work options: Allowing for flexible hours or remote work helps to accommodate energy levels, fatigue and therapy schedules. 
  • Reasonable adjustments: Offering help by allowing noise-cancelling headphones, screen readers, or quiet workspaces will enable employees to feel more comfortable returning to work.  
  • Clear communication: Try using written follow-ups or structured meetings to support memory or processing challenges. 
  • Wellness programs: Offering resources like mindfulness sessions or ergonomic assessments to help with the employee well-being and satisfaction. 

Training managers and teams 

To improve understanding and reduce stigma surrounding brain injuries, it’s essential to educate managers and teams. This involves fostering an environment where open conversations about individual needs and accommodations can take place while respecting privacy. 

Education and training are both crucial for ensuring that employers understand the effects of brain injuries and how to provide the necessary support. Synapse offers specialised training designed to enhance your team’s understanding of the challenges faced by individuals impacted by brain injury. Our training covers various topics, including an introduction to brain injury, its causes and effects, and strategies for providing effective support. Enquire and find out more about booking training with us. 

Inclusive workplaces benefit not just employees with brain injuries, but the whole team and organisation. By creating a culture that values adaptability, empathy, and diversity, businesses can build stronger teams that better understand and serve a wider audience. 

 

Sources:  

Diversity wins: How inclusion matters. Accessed Jan 24th 2025: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and-inclusion/diversity-wins-how-inclusion-matters 

Seven ways organizations can support employees with traumatic brain injury. Accessed Jan 24th 2025: https://www.fastcompany.com/91108257/seven-ways-organizations-can-support-employees-with-traumatic-brain-injury 

How Mangers Can Support Employees Living with Disability In The Workplace. Accessed Jan 24th 2025: https://www.atworkaustralia.com.au/managing-employees-with-disabilities/