Flexibility and Neurodiversity: Creating Inclusive Work Environments

Dr. Laura welcomes productivity catalyst, highly sensitive executive coach, and international speaker Clare Kumar to the show to discuss designing workspaces for neurodivergent productivity. Clare has a wealth of insight into how spaces can best suit inclusion and differing work needs.Dr. Laura and Clare Kumar talk about neurodiversity and exactly what sorts of behaviors and traits encompass neurodiversity. Clare explains the needs that often accompany neurodiversity, why hybrid and flexible work arrangements are so important, and how we are lacking in organizational training around the impacts of our physical spaces on wellbeing. The conversation is a welcome look into neurodiverse needs and ties into Dr. Laura’s continuing study of flexible work situations and what we all need for well-being and productivity.“What we've seen collectively is the recognition that people can work effectively from home and that a large majority of people are fiercely clinging to the ability to be working from home and the autonomy that comes with that. So, yes, I think it's highly advantageous for the neurodivergent population, but really most humans want a degree of customizing their work experience and having some autonomy to do that, whether it be time, space, how you're doing the work, all of that has a part to play in people showing up at their best.” Clare KumarAbout Clare Kumar:Productivity catalyst, highly sensitive executive coach, and international speaker Clare Kumar examines the intersection of productivity and inclusivity – paying attention to both being and doing. She inspires individuals to design for well-being and cultivate sustainable performance while avoiding exhaustion and burnout. Clare encourages leaders to design inclusive performances to invite the richest contributions from every member of their team. This is a topic Clare explores with innovators as host of the Happy Space Podcast.Clare draws on a diverse corporate career that took her from Toronto to Tokyo and Montreal, with equal experience as an entrepreneur. She is a sought-after media contributor to news and lifestyle shows including the Huffington Post, Fast Company, the Globe and Mail, CBC Radio, The Social, and the Marilyn Denis Show. Whether speaking to one person or thousands, Clare loves inspiring massive shifts by inviting you to pay attention to little things that make a big difference. She welcomes all highly sensitive professionals as well as those who want to love and support them to find community in the Happy Space Pod.Resources:Website: ClareKumar.comHappy Space PodcastHuberman Lab PodcastSamer Hattar, PhD“The Highly Sensitive Person” by Elaine N. Aron, PhD“Sensitive” by Jenn Granneman and Andre SoloLearn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.liveFor more resources, look into Dr. Laura’s organizations: Canada Career CounsellingSynthesis Psychology