With Purpose

Harbour Sport ActivAsian and North Shore Neighbourhood Support - celebrating good neighbours!

Brilliant day out in Hobsonville with the pop-up escape room I created as an experiential learning tool for household emergency readiness 🦺🚒

New activation offering unlocked - interactive learning that's truly fun!

𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗲𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲

Koekoe te tūī, e ketekete te kākā, e kūkū te kererū

The tui chatters, the kākā gabbles, the kererū coos

Just like the diverse birds of the forest, each with its own voice and way of being, our workplaces thrive on the contributions of all kinds of people. Each of us brings something unique to the table, and that’s especially true when we consider neurodiversity.

Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in how our brains work. Some people’s brains process information differently than what is considered typical, influencing how they think, feel, communicate, and interact with the world around them. When we understand these differences, we not only appreciate the distinct strengths neurodivergent individuals bring to the workplace but also see how these strengths can elevate our teams.

Neurodivergent employees often bring extraordinary qualities that can transform the workplace. Their ability to approach problems from different angles can lead to innovative solutions that others might not see. The enthusiasm and energy they bring can invigorate the work environment, making it more dynamic and exciting. When they are deeply engaged, their focus can lead to outstanding achievements.

Many neurodivergent individuals also have a deep sense of empathy, contributing to a supportive and collaborative team culture. Their resilience in overcoming challenges often makes them highly adaptable, which is crucial in times of change. Additionally, their passion for specific interests can drive them to produce high-quality work with meticulous attention to detail. These diverse perspectives enrich team discussions, leading to more well-rounded decision-making.

Te Ao Māori provides valuable principles that can guide us in creating an inclusive workplace:

Whanaungatanga: Focus on building supportive relationships and recognising each person’s strengths

Manaakitanga: Show care and respect to ensure that neurodivergent employees feel valued

Aroha: Practice kindness and empathy to create a positive and nurturing environment

Tikanga: Be flexible and open to different working styles, allowing everyone to contribute in their own way

Kotahitanga: Emphasise unity and collaboration, valuing diverse perspectives as essential to the team’s success

Te Whare Tapa Whā: Support overall wellbeing - physical, mental/emotional, social/family, and spiritual - to foster a balanced and healthy workplace

It's important to remember that not everyone will choose to disclose their neurodivergence. This might be due to personal reasons or concerns about stigma. As such, creating an environment where all employees feel supported - whether or not their neurodivergence is known - is key to fostering inclusivity.

By embracing neurodiversity and building an inclusive workplace, we create a richer, more vibrant, and more effective team, where every individual can shine in their own way.

Sara ☺️

New project! I'm very happy to be joining the team at Harbour Sport to establish and grow the exciting new role of Community Resilience Activator 🥳