Blog. New training - Bullying and Harassment.
May 27, 2025 | Author Jeremy Gibson
New training available: Neurodiversity
Hospitality is a welcoming industry and can be a great career choice for neurodivergent people. But the fast-pace, and highly-sensory nature of the job combined with irregular shift patterns, unclear expectations and constant social interactions may sometimes be overstimulating for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
In many workplaces, systems and leadership styles are built around neurotypical people and operate under a ‘one size fits all’ approach to training and communication which can alienate some team members.
Research has found that neurodivergent people are three times more likely to be unemployed or underemployed than their neurotypical peers, despite having the potential to thrive and be a huge asset to their employers.
Hospitality offers opportunities where neurodivergent individuals can excel, especially when supported effectively. Their unique ways of thinking contribute to innovation, creative problem-solving, empathy and operational excellence.
However, when support is missing - when reasonable adjustments aren't made or when leadership lacks awareness - those same roles can lead to burnout, masking or withdrawal.
Hospitality Action has partnered with Elevo to offer specialist Neurodiversity in the Workplace training. This training suite is designed to help hospitality businesses move beyond compliance and towards a truly inclusive culture.
There are three tiers of training, designed for different audiences within the business: Neurodiversity Aware, Neurodiversity Champions and Neurodiversity Managers
The courses
Neurodiversity Aware
This session identifies key neurodiverse conditions and their strengths, dispels common misconceptions and explores how implementing reasonable adjustments can unlock potential in the workplace.
Neurodiversity Champions
This half-day course provides practical tools for wellbeing, clear communication and reasonable adjustments. It explores executive functioning and how it impacts workplace performance and highlights challenges associated with neurodiversity conditions.
Neurodiversity Managers
This workshop is designed for managers to lead inclusive teams and support neurodiverse employees effectively. It equips leaders with strategies to create an inclusive culture and provides insights into observing behaviour without unconscious bias.
Why this training matters
Managers play a critical role in shaping workplace culture, yet many lack the confidence, knowledge or tools to support neurodivergent team members effectively. Without intentional leadership, teams can fall into patterns of miscommunication, unintentional exclusion or inconsistent support.
This training goes beyond awareness. It empowers managers to:
- Understand how neurodivergent needs show up in day-to-day behaviours, communication styles, and performance.
- Confidently apply reasonable adjustments that are both effective and legally compliant.
- Recognise and respond to signs of stress, masking or overload before they escalate.
- Foster psychological safety and clarity in high-pressure environments.
15-20% of the UK population is neurodivergent. Many neurodivergent individuals are already working within the industry but are not fully supported. Creating inclusive environments isn’t just the right thing to do - it’s strategic, sustainable and smart business practice.
Ready to build a workplace where everybody can thrive?
These workshops are now available to all operators and at a reduced rate to hospitality businesses who are subscribed to Hospitality Action’s EAP.
They’re practical, engaging and tailored to real-world hospitality scenarios. To find out more or enrol on a course, email eap@hospitalityaction.org.uk.
In partnership with Elevo
This training brings together the sector insight of Hospitality Action and the behavioural expertise of Elevo.
Hospitality Action understands the unique pressures of hospitality - fast-paced shifts, emotional labour, and tight-knit teams. Elevo specialises in creating inclusive, psychologically safe workplaces, with training rooted in real-world scenarios and led by wellbeing and DEI experts.
Together, we offer:
- A clear understanding of hospitality-specific challenges.
- Expert-led, practical training that’s easy to apply.
- Proven strategies to create safer, more respectful workplace.
This partnership offer is here to support the hospitality industry, by people who know it inside out.