Why?

It is estimated that one in five people are neurodivergent (including those with ADHD, dyslexia, Tourette’s, or other conditions, and people that are highly sensitive, introverted, autistic, or intellectually gifted) – and this includes people who are not yet aware of this. This means that every company unknowingly has to deal with neurodiversity – diversity in thinking, communicating and interacting with the world. A diversity that is often still unknown and unloved within companies.

Unloved because neurodiversity is essential for companies committed to innovation. In addition, communication differences and frictions within teams arise today due to a lack of knowledge around neurodiversity. Within neurodiverse teams, it becomes even more important to focus on psychological safety, discovering each other’s talents and pitfalls, managing work and cognitive load, and facilitating self-organisation.

In this serious game workshop session, you will discover how to facilitate neurodiverse teams as a team member, HR manager and/or leader in focusing on complementary talents, awareness around pitfalls, managing their work, building trust, enhancing equity and inclusion, and keeping morale high to ultimately thrive as a high-performing team.

What and for whom?

Contents of the Dutch game box, with the game board, various cards (in green, blue and grey), and pawns.

For employers, HR professionals, executives, company founders and team members who want to gain more insights into neurodiversity, the positive impact of neurodivergent employees on the organisation and the team dynamics within a neurodiverse team.

In this serious game workshop, players are confronted with realistic scenarios from the daily reality of a neurodiverse team. In their toolbox: a comprehensive set of tools and techniques, which make life easier for neurodiverse teams and increase productivity or just barely. It’s up to you to discover what works best for everyone on the team. Can your neurodiverse team meet the challenges and keep their productivity and resilience high, taking into account their diverse and sometimes opposing personalities, needs and desires?

Facilitated during a two-hour session, online or on-site, in English, Dutch or French. Adaptations (scenarios tailored to your business environment) are possible. After the session you will receive a copy of the board game.

By the way, there is also a version specific for software teams.

What you’ll learn

Awareness of neurodiversity at work

Learning what neurodiversity means, what stereotypes we unconsciously have about autism, ADHD, dyslexia, etc., and the challenges and strengths associated with neurodiversity. Why are neurodiversity and neuroinclusion so valuable to the team and the organisation?

Principles for facilitating high-performing neurodiverse teams

Introducing six guiding principles that teach neurodiverse teams to perform at a higher but sustainable level. This has a positive impact on team retention rates and well-being, as well as team productivity and company ROI.

Principles
Psychological safety and transparency – Awareness and alliance – Avoiding excessive mental effort – Team dynamics and agreements – Reasonable adjustments – Strength-based management

How to play the game + debriefing

For ± 45 minutes, the game is played, with the help of the facilitators, in smaller groups of about five people. Afterwards, the groups discuss their experiences and hold a plenary discussion.

Organising this workshop contributes to the following SDGs:
3
Good health and well-being
8
Decent work and economic growth
9
Industry, innovation and infrastructure
10
Reduced inequalities
As well as the social aspects of the ESG criteria.

Facilitated by

Dietrich Moerman

Dietrich Moerman is a software engineering expert turned neurodiversity consultant and trainer. He learnt the power of psychological safety and limiting cognitive load while leading software development teams, gradually discovering the value for his own ADHD and autistic brain. Today, he helps leaders and HR professionals to let their teams thrive with neurodiversity.

Daphné De Troch

Daphné De Troch learnt how to create a safe work environment for and lead a team of neurodivergent people, after she was diagnosed with ADHD and autism. She started Bjièn with Dietrich to help other leaders and teams with the awareness of neurodiversity and make their workplace neuroinclusive.

What others say

«Recently at Ansell, we organised a workshop on neurodiversity at the workplace, facilitated by Daphné and Dietrich from Bjièn. With well-thought-through scenarios, we were challenged to empathise with the different thinking and behavioural patterns of different employees. Feedback from participants was unanimously positive. Whereas some were initially reserved, we saw increasing enthusiasm and commitment as the workshop progressed. The game created not only insight but also a sense of connection. The workshop highlighted how neurodiversity can be both an asset and a challenge in the workplace. By paying attention to each employee’s unique talents and needs, we can strengthen innovation and cooperation. Highly recommended for any organisation looking to promote inclusion!»
– Xandra Braekman, Ansell
«I heard from colleagues that they could appreciate the low-threshold approach and playful nature of the training. Especially for those not yet familiar with neurodiversity, it was a pleasant first introduction. I myself liked the fact that a safe environment was created fairly quickly for people to share their questions and comments. I also liked the added value of playing the game in groups that included both front-line staff and managers. This provided diverse perspectives to approach a challenge.»
– Lene Vranken, Agentschap Integratie en Inburgering

Are you interested in a session for your neurodiverse company, team or group?

Contact us for a free quote