Suncorp has celebrated the efforts of its newest Employee Resource Group, Infinite Minds, in supporting neurodivergence and reducing stigma against disabled workers.

Infinite Minds Chair Caitlin Walsh, who has been diagnosed as neurodivergent, says increased awareness of neurodivergent employees presents a unique opportunity and benefit for many workplaces.

“While it’s true that being neurodivergent may result in challenges, it can also build strengths in areas such as problem-solving, productivity and creativity,” Ms Walsh said.

“By building an inclusive workplace that supports employees with all kinds of minds we’re not only doing right by our people, but also by our business.”

Ms Walsh says workplaces should look to accommodate employees, notably women between 20-40, who are increasingly diagnosed with neurodivergent conditions.

She says medical practitioners hypothesise that women have likely been affected by these issues their whole lives but have had to mask the problem behind less stigmatised conditions.

“Accessing diagnosis can be difficult for girls and women due to the lack of research and understanding of the different ways the symptoms and struggles can present,” Ms Walsh said.

“As more women openly discuss their experiences and share their journeys it helps to spread awareness and encourage those who need it to seek out diagnosis and support.”

As part of her initiative, which she helped launch last year, she has encouraged support from volunteer committee members to help understand the lived experiences of neurodivergent workers.

“While there may be commonalities, each neurodivergent person is unique, and my hope is that Infinite Minds allows people to feel comfortable to share their experiences and advocate for themselves,” Ms Walsh said.

She praised the efforts of Suncorp in allowing for an “accepting and supportive” environment to help raise awareness for the issue.