Employee Perceptions on Neurodiversity Inclusion in the Workplace: A Qualitative Study Focused on the Irish Civil Service

McLaughlin, Mary Sheila (2025) Employee Perceptions on Neurodiversity Inclusion in the Workplace: A Qualitative Study Focused on the Irish Civil Service. Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

Background: An estimated 20% of the population are neurodivergent, and yet many struggle to enter and retain meaningful employment.

Literature Review: Research has focused on the challenges neurodivergent employees experience within the workplace, to explored why they experience challenges and what can be done to support them. Research has looked at the impact that workplace accommodations and workplace relationships have on a neurodivergent employee’s experience, with each having different effects on neurodivergent employees. A full understanding of neurodiversity in the workplace, and best practice approaches, has yet to be established.

Research Gap: Neurodiversity in the workplace is an emerging research area with very few studies conducted within Ireland, resulting in a blind spot of knowledge in how support can be provided to neurodivergent employees in Ireland.

Research Aim: This research aims to understand the perceptions of employees on neurodiversity inclusion within the Irish Civil Service, to contribute to the gap in awareness on neurodiversity in the workplace. To explore this aim, the research questions will consider the awareness of neurodiversity, the knowledge of challenges and supports available in the workplace, the experiences of working alongside neurodivergent employees, and the perceived impact of neurodivergent employees.

Method: The research followed an inductive qualitative methodology; a combination of purposive and convenience sampling was used to conduct 11 semi-structured interviews. Interview transcripts were coded and analysed using Braun and Clarke’s six-step thematic analysis approach to reveal the four research themes.

Results: Four themes emerged from the study: changing times, responsibility for accommodations, progress through open conversations, and the individual nature of neurodiversity.

Major implication: The research contributes to the limited studies on neurodiversity in the workplace within Ireland, providing a unique insight into employee perceptions of neurodiversity inclusion in the Irish Civil Service. Organisations are recommended to increase awareness of neurodiversity across all levels of employees, individualise accommodations, and work towards a strengths-first workplace practice.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Supervisors:	Name Email MacDonald, Robert UNSPECIFIED
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management > Human Resource Management > Diversity H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management > Human Resource Management > Equal Opportunity in Employment H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management > Human Resource Management
Divisions:	School of Business (- 2025) > Master of Arts in Human Resource Management
Depositing User:	Ciara O'Brien
Date Deposited:	08 Dec 2025 16:02
Last Modified:	08 Dec 2025 16:02
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/9015

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