Active Together
On February 11, 2025, I had the pleasure of speaking at Active Together's Employers Coffee and Discussion Session at Loughborough University’s SportPark. This engaging event brought together employers from the local sport and physical activity sector to discuss building more inclusive workplaces and ensuring teams reflect the diverse communities they serve.
Why Inclusion Matters in Sport and Physical Activity
The sport and physical activity sector thrives when it reflects the rich diversity of its community. By embracing inclusion, businesses in this sector can better support their staff, improve customer engagement, and create environments where everyone feels valued.
During the event, I had the opportunity to deliver a session on Neurodiversity in the Workplace. With neurodivergent individuals making up an estimated 15 to 20% of the population, it’s crucial for companies to build environments that support their success.
Key Points from My Talk
In my session, I shared insights into:
✅ Recognising Neurodiversity in the Workplace, Understanding the strengths and challenges that neurodivergent employees may face.
✅ Creating Inclusive Environments, Simple adjustments like flexible working, clear communication styles, and sensory-friendly spaces can make a huge difference.
✅ Local Support and Networks, I highlighted the valuable resources available in the region, including local networks and toolkits designed to help businesses support both neurodivergent and neurotypical employees.
What Stood Out Most
One of the most encouraging aspects of the event was the enthusiasm from local employers. The discussions showed that businesses are increasingly open to learning how they can better support neurodivergent employees. By adopting inclusive practices, these companies aren’t just supporting individuals, they’re strengthening their teams, improving innovation, and ensuring they’re creating welcoming environments for staff and customers alike.
Practical Takeaways for Employers
If you’re looking to build a more inclusive workplace in the sport and physical activity sector, here are some practical tips to consider,
1️⃣ Start Small, Even small adjustments, like offering written instructions alongside verbal ones, can have a big impact.
2️⃣ Be Curious, Ask your team what support they need rather than making assumptions.
3️⃣ Engage with Local Networks, Connecting with organisations like Active Together can provide you with practical resources and expert guidance.
Final Thoughts
Events like this one remind me that inclusion isn’t just a box to tick, it’s about building a culture where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported to succeed. As employers, we have the opportunity to lead the way in creating workplaces where neurodivergent individuals can thrive.
I’d like to thank Active Together, Generation Charnwood, and all the attendees for making this event such an inspiring and productive session.
If you’d like to know more about how to support neurodiversity in your workplace or explore my workshops on accessible marketing and inclusive practices, feel free to connect with me,
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🌐 Tania Gerard Digital
Let’s continue building workplaces that embrace difference, unlock potential, and create lasting change.