Supporting Neurodiversity at Cinesite.

April is Autism and Neurodiversity Awareness Month, and at Cinesite, we’re taking this opportunity to highlight our commitment to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and included. We recognise the unique strengths and challenges that come with neurodiversity, and we’re dedicated to fostering an environment that supports all of our employees.  

What is Neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity refers to the variation in cognitive functioning among people. It’s the diversity of how our brains process information, learn, and behave. Neurodivergence is a spectrum, and it shows up differently for everyone. At Cinesite, we understand that everyone has a unique brain, and with that comes different skills, abilities, and needs.  

Cultivating a Safe and Inclusive Environment: A Shared Responsibility

At Cinesite, we believe that we all have a role to play in creating a work environment that supports and values neurodiversity. Through our policies, practices and support tools, we encourage managers to take action to enhance inclusion on their teams, offering support or accommodation where possible. For example, we understand that some individuals may experience discomfort with small talk or eye contact, and we ensure these differences are respected. We also recognise the impact of environmental factors on concentration and communication, and we encourage employees to communicate their sensory sensitivities through the mechanisms that we have put in place. .  

Promoting psychological safety and supporting mental health is crucial. We encourage regular check-ins and provide necessary adjustments and support to ensure the well-being of our employees.  

Resources and Tools

Cinesite recommends various resources and tools to support neurodiversity in the workplace, including:

•   Applications for time management and work organisation: Inflow, Reclaim AI, Focusmate, Google Tasks, Pitch, Loom.  
•   Applications for mind mapping: Coggle, Miro.  
•   Applications for text to speech/speech to text: Speechnote, Natural Reader.  

Where possible we also encourage practices such as setting alarms for tasks, creating to-do lists, using color systems in calendars, scheduling shorter meetings, having meeting-free days, organising work according to energy levels, setting focus time, and using voice typing.  

The Importance of Communication 

Effective communication is key to a harmonious and productive work environment. We recognise that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to communication, and we strive to accommodate the individuality of each team member.  

To support this, we encourage open dialogue and provide tools and resources to enhance understanding and collaboration. We have developed a communication questionnaire to help team members better understand each other’s preferences and needs. 

Looking Ahead

Cinesite is dedicated to creating a workplace where neurodiversity is celebrated and every employee is empowered to thrive. By fostering understanding, providing support, and promoting inclusivity, we can build a stronger, more innovative, and equitable company.