Nearly one in three (30 per cent) neurodivergent workers say their employer does not cater for their needs at workplace events, according to new research from Center Parcs Conferences & Events.
The study, released to mark Neurodiversity Celebration Week (16–20 March), comes despite strong demand for events, with 94 per cent of neurodivergent employees saying they positively affect their everyday job and 42 per cent reporting increased attendance over the past three years.
Julia Green, head of corporate events at Center Parcs Conferences & Events, said: “Our research indicates a positive shift in awareness for differing employee needs. Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a timely reminder for organisers to reflect on whether their events genuinely make everyone feel welcome and included.”
However, the findings reveal gaps in experience. More than one in 10 (11 per cent) neurodivergent workers with a disability said they feel unsafe at work events, while almost half (47 per cent) ranked “feeling safe and comfortable” as a top priority.
Accessibility is also a key concern, with 40 per cent of neurodivergent respondents with a disability citing inclusivity as a top feature, compared with 20 per cent of non-neurodivergent peers.
Despite this, events are seen as valuable for engagement and connection, with respondents highlighting stronger colleague relationships (40 per cent), improved collaboration (37 per cent) and increased engagement (34 per cent) among the top benefits.
The research also points to a growing preference for nature-based settings, as 72 per cent of neurodivergent employees said they find outdoor or natural environments more appealing than inner-city venues.
Green added: “Nature has a uniquely calming effect. For neurodivergent attendees in particular, that change in environment can be transformative.”
The findings suggest that while workplace events are a powerful tool for engagement, organisers need to place greater emphasis on inclusivity, accessibility and wellbeing to ensure they work for all attendees.
