SC4 Blog Articles

Targeted Support Crucial for Neurodivergent Workforce in Construction, Data Reveals

A significant portion of the UK construction workforce identifies as neurodivergent, yet many face a lack of understanding and support, highlighting the urgent need for targeted initiatives to foster a more inclusive and productive environment. 

The Statistics

Statistics indicate that neurodivergent individuals are notably present in the sector, with one survey from the National Federation of Builders (NFB) in June 2023 revealing that 1 in 4 construction workers consider themselves neurodivergent, and 17% hold a formal diagnosis. According to ‘Behind the high-vis: a mental health white paper’, a report by On The Tools about mental health in the construction industry, 52% of UK tradespeople surveyed considered themselves to have a neurodiverse condition (most frequently ADHD/ADD - 22%, followed by dyslexia - 20% and OCD/OCPD - 15%). Another survey by the Association for Project Management (APM) found that 46% of project professionals in construction described themselves as neurodivergent, a figure considerably higher than the cross-sector average of 31%.

Despite this prevalence, challenges persist. The NFB survey highlighted that 75% of neurodivergent workers reported not being asked about neurodiversity during hiring or onboarding, representing a significant missed opportunity to implement support from the outset. Furthermore, 38% of respondents in the same survey believed there is little to no empathy for neurodiverse workers within the industry, and almost 40% of neurodiverse workers have not disclosed their condition to employers, with a third of those citing fear of stigma. This lack of openness and understanding can lead to individuals "masking" their traits, a coping mechanism that research shows can contribute to stress, anxiety, and burnout, potentially exacerbating the already significant mental health challenges within the sector, where more than 50% of UK builders reported struggling with mental health in 2023 (Mates in Mind).

The Impact of Neurodivergence

This environment, where many individuals may be struggling silently, underscores the importance of making discussions around neurodiversity commonplace. Normalizing these conversations can help individuals realize they are not alone in their challenges. The experience of being surrounded by colleagues who may also be neurodivergent but are attempting to "fit in" can paradoxically lead individuals to question their own difficulties. Recognizing that this widespread struggle often stems from navigating a system not designed for neurodivergent minds, rather than individual inadequacy, validates the genuine need for tailored assistance.

The Benefits of Neurodivergence

The benefits of embracing neurodiversity are increasingly recognized. Neurodivergent individuals often possess unique strengths, such as exceptional problem-solving skills, attention to detail, creativity, and pattern recognition – attributes highly valuable in the construction industry. Targeted support can help unlock this potential. Encouragingly, 80% of respondents to the NFB survey who had disclosed their neurodivergence reported that reasonable adjustments were made by their employers, and 71% received additional support. This indicates a willingness within the sector to adapt when needs are communicated.

Construction Industry Initiatives

Initiatives like the Neurodiversity in Construction Training Programme, launched by the NFB in partnership with Interclass, Genius Within, and the CITB, are a significant step. This free program, offering e-learning courses and interactive training, aims to build knowledge and skills around neurodiversity, fostering inclusivity across the industry.

Providing specific, targeted publicity and support for neurodivergent individuals in construction is therefore not just beneficial but essential. The construction industry has seen a concerted push to address mental health, with campaigns like Mates in Mind and resources from the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity working to break down stigma and provide support for a workforce facing alarmingly high rates of stress and suicide. Neurodiversity initiatives, promoted with a similar level of visibility and commitment as those publicising the need to talk about mental health in construction, could have a comparably massive and positive impact. By openly acknowledging the prevalence of neurodiversity, addressing the challenges, and highlighting the strengths, the industry can create an environment where all individuals feel understood, valued, and equipped to thrive, ultimately benefiting both the workforce and the sector as a whole.

Click on the categories below to find out more about:

• All Blog Articles from 2025
• Diversity in Construction
• Neurodiversity in Construction
• Working in the Construction Industry
• Mental Health in Construction