86 Part 2 Neurodiversity at Work: Strategies for Safety and Success with Ben Walkenhorst
Dear Dyslexic PodcastShow Notes
Creating Psychologically Safe Workplaces for Neurodivergent Teams
In this episode of the Dear Dyslexic Podcast, Dr Shae welcomes Ben Walkenhorst from BW Communications for a conversation about creating neurodiversity-inclusive workplaces through psychological safety, effective leadership and thoughtful workplace design.
Drawing on his leadership experience across government, private and not-for-profit sectors, Ben explains what psychological safety looks like in practice and why it is becoming an increasingly important focus under workplace health and safety regulations. He describes psychological safety as creating environments where people feel comfortable speaking up, sharing ideas and asking for support without fear of judgement or negative consequences.
Together, Dr Shae and Ben explore three key factors that influence workplace wellbeing and inclusion: leadership, job design and workplace environments. They share practical examples of how organisations can build more supportive cultures, including establishing non-judgemental meeting norms, fostering social connection in remote teams and using staff feedback to improve systems and processes.
Ben also discusses workplace adjustments that can support neurodivergent employees, including managing sensory demands, providing role clarity, holding confidential one-on-one conversations, setting clear expectations and allowing flexibility around timeframes and communication styles. The discussion highlights how tools such as AI, assistive technology and strengths-based leadership approaches can help employees perform at their best.
This episode offers practical insights for leaders, managers and workplaces looking to create psychologically safe environments where neurodivergent people can thrive. Resources Understanding Neurodivergence and Psychosocial Hazards in the Workplace
About Dear Dyslexic Podcast The Dear Dyslexic Podcast amplifies the voices, experiences and expertise of people from the dyslexia and broader neurodivergent communities, creating conversations that inform, empower and inspire. Learn more about re:think dyslexia: www.rethinkdyslexia.com.au
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00:00 Welcome to Dear Dyslexic 00:34 Self Awareness Strategies 03:14 Leadership Builds Safety 04:32 Remote Team Culture 06:25 What Psychological Safety Means 07:34 Job Design and Demand 09:50 Inclusive Process Redesign 14:21 Environmental Factors at Work 18:21 Role Clarity and Supports 23:05 Reasonable Adjustments and KPIs 27:31 Personal Dyslexia Workarounds 29:11 Wrap Up and Resources
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