Neurodiversity at Work: What Actually Works
Neuroinclusion is having a moment. But the real test is not what’s written in policy, it’s what happens on a normal Tuesday, inside a real team.
In this special Workplace Harmonics episode, supported by Viatris and AmCham Abu Dhabi, Scott Armstrong (mentl) is joined by Dr Khaled Kadry (Medical Director of Sakina for Children, and neurodiversity expert), Geoff McDonald (former Global VP of HR, Unilever) and Sara Boueri (CHRO, board advisor) to move the conversation beyond labels and into practical work design.
This is a direct, candid discussion about psychological safety, meeting culture, interruptions, disclosure, and why “performance” can look fine on paper while people are quietly burning out.
We explore:
• Why do so many people still feel unable to disclose what they need to do their best work?
• What does a neuro-inclusive workplace look like in practice, not theory?
• Which “accommodations” improve performance for everyone, not just neurodivergent colleagues?
• How do you reduce overload created by meeting culture, constant interruptions, and chaotic operating rhythm?
• Why are KPIs not a reliable signal of health, sustainability, or psychological safety?
• How do leaders shift from “doing wellbeing to people” to improving the organisation itself?
Who should watch or listen
If you lead a team, work in HR, or are trying to build a workplace where people can thrive without masking, this episode will give you language, perspective, and practical levers you can use immediately.
Chapter List:
00:00 Organisations and psychological safety, why performance can hide harm
01:38 Why this topic became personal (adult ADHD, lived experience lens)
02:10 Meet the panel (Dr Khaled Kadry, Geoff McDonald, Sara Boueri)
05:03 What “neuroinclusive workplace” means in practice (a normal Tuesday)
09:17 What neurodivergent employees may be struggling with silently
12:01 Sara’s regional HR reality check: belonging, expectations, meeting culture
17:19 Geoff: organisations make people sick, stop “doing wellbeing to people”
22:21 Poll 1: biggest barriers to neurodiversity support at work
45:20 KPIs are not a sign of health (and why burnout can be invisible)
50:12 Poll 2: the one change teams will make next (meetings, focus, flexibility)
