Welcome to 2024! Let’s Start the Year Inclusively
As we move into a new year, let’s consider how workplaces can create environments where neurodivergent employees feel supported, valued, and empowered. Neuroinclusive practices benefit not only neurodivergent employees but also foster innovation, collaboration, and overall employee satisfaction.
This newsletter provides actionable strategies to help your organization embrace neurodiversity, build psychological safety, and promote effective communication in diverse teams.
Why Neuroinclusion Matters
Neurodivergent individuals—including those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other cognitive differences—bring unique strengths and perspectives. However, they often face barriers in workplaces designed for neurotypical individuals. Simple accommodations and shifts in workplace culture can unlock their full potential, benefiting everyone.
Strategies for Neuroinclusive Workplaces
Educate Your Team About Neurodiversity
Offer training sessions on neurodiversity to increase awareness and reduce stigma.
Highlight the strengths neurodivergent employees bring, such as creative problem-solving, pattern recognition, and attention to detail.
Promote Psychological Safety
Encourage open conversations about needs and accommodations without fear of judgment.
Establish feedback channels where employees can share their experiences anonymously.
Train managers to identify and support employees experiencing sensory or emotional overload.
Adapt the Work Environment
Create quiet workspaces or provide noise-canceling headphones for employees sensitive to sound.
Adjust lighting to minimize harsh glare or flickering that may impact those with sensory sensitivities.
Offer flexible work schedules to accommodate different productivity rhythms.
Rethink Communication Practices
Use clear, concise communication in meetings and emails.
Provide information in multiple formats (visual, written, and verbal) to cater to different processing styles.
Encourage visual aids like flowcharts and diagrams for complex ideas.
Foster Inclusive Team Dynamics
Implement structured meeting agendas and share them in advance.
Use a round-robin approach during brainstorming sessions to ensure everyone has a chance to contribute.
Celebrate individual strengths and acknowledge contributions openly.
Action Plan for Leaders
Step 1: Conduct an Inclusion Audit Evaluate current policies, physical spaces, and team dynamics to identify areas for improvement.
Step 2: Partner with Neurodivergent Advocates Collaborate with neurodivergent employees or external consultants to co-create initiatives.
Step 3: Measure Success Set measurable goals, such as improved employee satisfaction or retention rates, and track progress.
Spotlight: Communication Tips for Diverse Teams
Use collaborative tools like Trello or Slack to keep communication organized.
Offer written summaries after meetings for employees who may need time to process information.
Check in regularly with employees to ensure they feel supported and understood.
Make 2024 the Year of Inclusion
Let’s commit to fostering workplaces where everyone thrives. By prioritizing neuro inclusion, we will not only support neurodivergent employees but also create a culture of innovation and respect.
Feel free to contact us for more insights or to schedule neurodiversity training for your team. Let’s build a better workplace together!
Mark your calendar with these January 2025 events!
1. Yoga for Mental Health
Date: January 7, 2025
Details: Start the new year by focusing on mental well-being through yoga. This event will offer yoga sessions, guided meditations, and mindfulness practices to reduce stress, and anxiety, and improve mental clarity.
2. Manifest Your Dreams in 2025
Date: January 22, 2025
Details: Begin 2025 with intention and purpose by manifesting your dreams and goals! This workshop will guide you in creating a vision board that aligns with your personal and professional goals. The day will include guided meditations, manifestation practices, and goal-setting exercises. All materials for the vision board will be provided, along with ongoing support as you manifest your dreams throughout the year.
3. Couple's Day Retreat
Date: February 8, 2025
Details: A retreat is designed to bring couples closer together through improved communication, validation, and intimacy. This retreat helps couples better understand each other and foster deeper connections.
A New Year Brings New Beginnings at HLT
With the start of a new year, we often find ourselves embarking on fresh journeys and closing old chapters. At HLT, we’re also stepping into an exciting new phase. Dr. Gretchen Pound has accepted a full-time position at the Balboa Naval Hospital Pain Clinic, where she will leverage her 20 years of mind-body expertise to support service members and their families on their path to becoming pain-free.
This marks a significant transition for Dr. Pound, and she is thrilled to take on this rewarding role while continuing to provide exceptional care to her private practice clients. Moving forward:
Private Practice Schedule: Dr. Pound will maintain her private practice on weekends in the short term and during evening hours in the long term.
Online-Only Appointments: Starting February, all appointments will transition to an online format.
Faith's Continued Support: Faith will remain a cornerstone of HLT operations, handling calls, appointment scheduling, and billing.
We appreciate your understanding as we navigate these changes. There may be some bumps along the way, but with your patience and support, we hope for a smooth transition.
Here’s to a year of growth and adaptability!
Warm regards,
Dr. Gretchen Pound
Join Us on Social Media: Follow us for more insights and updates as we head into the new year.
And Remember
"I want to make a difference in people’s lives!
I work to ensure everyone has an
equal opportunity to succeed."
-- Gretchen Pound, PhD