Think corporate workshops are just a tick-box exercise? Think again!
This summer, the Komedia team welcomed fellow local business Joyfully Different for a fascinating neuroinclusion training session with impact. This non-profit organisation offers consulting, social impact programmes, and memberships for neurodivergent entrepreneurs and businesses to build teams that work better together. Let’s embrace how neurodiverse we all are!
Alice Reeves & Helen Davies from Joyfully Different embraced their theatre kid energies to deliver the session from the Komedia stage – who knew work training could be so much fun? Through insightful structured discussions (and some lovely artwork that our parents will definitely be putting on the fridge) we learned new things about our brains, how we work together, and what we can do to improve the accessibility of Komedia as a workplace and a live arts venue.
Did you know…
While 1 in 5 employees are likely to be neurodivergent, only 1/3 of those will choose to disclose this to their employer? By working towards a supporting and uplifting neurodivergent folks, we can create a work environment where everyone feels more able to communicate their needs – reducing disengagement, sick leave, and a high turnover of staff. Neuroinclusion really does benefit everyone!
The neuroinclusion training opened our eyes to different neurotypes and traits a person may have, without losing sight of our individuality and the fact that needs and accommodations will vary for everyone. Here at Komedia we have over 70 members of staff, permanent and casual, working across various departments and events – so you can imagine there are lots of differences to consider!
What can we do?
Rather than focussing on limitations, Joyfully Different encouraged us to think about the strengths that can be found in the various neurotypes – and how they best work together. The key thing we learned, and a stand-out theme in the training, was the importance of clear and honest communication. We worked on feeling more confident and comfortable in asking someone how they can best be supported, and putting effort into learning how people like to communicate. If we’re in an environment that’s supportive and accessible, we can achieve what was previously deemed impossible!
As an arts venue, we’re aware there are many barriers that may deter a person coming to a show or applying for a job – and not all of these hurdles are visible. We want to break down barriers as much as we can and will continue this conversation among staff and audiences too. Let’s keep building Komedia into the inclusive, joyfully different workplace and venue we all love so much.
