How to help disabled and neurodivergent people flourish while working from home

Home-based working in the UK has been declining since the peak of the COVID pandemic – from 49% of the working population (opens new window) at its height to around 14% now (opens new window).

While hybrid working (opens new window) is still increasing in popularity, attitudes persist among some employers that remote working reduces productivity, visibility and creativity. As a result, many workplaces are requiring a return to fully on-site working. This approach, however, is not supported by research (opens new window) into hybrid working (a mix of working at home and on-site) which suggests productivity is not damaged and that it can also improve job satisfaction. For many people who are disabled, neurodivergent or both, home-based working provides a real opportunity to gain – and retain – a job in a productive and supportive environment. Around 24% (opens new window) of the working-age population are disabled, with the employment rate among disabled people around 54%.