Heywood-MacDonald Accountancy Services Ltd is a small, dedicated team of accountants and bookkeepers specialising in tailored financial support for neurodivergent and disabled entrepreneurs.
The problem
Heywood-MacDonald recognised that traditional workplace practices often fail to adequately support neurodiverse talent, resulting in missed opportunities for individuals and businesses alike. They identified barriers such as limited understanding of neurodiversity, insufficient accommodations, and workplace cultures that inadvertently stifled the unique strengths of neurodivergent individuals.
The solution
Their goal was to create an inclusive environment where everyone felt welcome, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential. The organisation implemented a comprehensive strategy centred on education, open communication, and personalised support.
Key initiatives included:
- Offering group and individual coaching sessions to support neurodiverse employees and their colleagues in understanding and leveraging unique strengths.
- Encouraging job swaps to help employees and managers understand individual strengths, preferences, and optimal working conditions.
- Integrating the innovative thinking of neurodiverse employees into business strategies and celebrating their contributions.
- Developing tailored accommodation plans, including flexible working arrangements and access to mental health resources.
To ensure sustainability, Heywood-MacDonald partnered with neurodivergent charities, embedded these inclusive practices into their policies, and committed to continuous learning and improvement based on feedback and expert advice.
The results
The initiatives implemented by Heywood-MacDonald have had a transformative impact:
- Increased engagement and productivity: Neurodiverse employees reported higher confidence and greater engagement with their work.
- Enhanced wellbeing: Flexible accommodations and mental health resources contributed to reduced absenteeism and lower staff turnover.
- Business growth: Improved problem-solving capabilities and employee satisfaction translated into stronger client relationships, higher sales, and increased profitability.
The success of these measures is evident in employee happiness surveys, performance reviews, focus group feedback, and improved retention rates. Additionally, the organisation’s reputation as a leader in inclusivity has grown, attracting interest from clients and other businesses eager to adopt similar practices.
Heywood-MacDonald continues to champion neurodiversity by embedding these initiatives into its core operations and fostering a workplace culture that thrives on each person’s strengths.
The information contained within this resource was accurate at the time of its publication. This article was created in April 2025.