What is a workplace needs assessment?
The goal of a workplace needs assessment is to identify any barriers faced by a neurodivergent employee and produce a set of tailored recommendations for adjustments to help them work at their best. This can lead to the employee experience greater success in their work as well as feeling considered and understood within their organization.
A workplace needs assessment differs from a diagnostic assessment in that it does not involve a formal investigation of what is underlying any challenges that the employee is experiencing. However, as it involves an in depth analysis of their job tasks, team structure and work environment, it can produce a more tailored set of recommendations than can be produced from a diagnostic assessment alone.
I am able to offer a combined diagnostic and workplace needs assessment. This provides the most thorough investigation. Please see below for details.
When might I need a workplace needs assessment?
A workplace needs assessment can be useful at any stage of an employee’s career. However, it is best conducted as early on as possible, to ensure the employee experiences no obstacles to success in their work.
Who requests a workplace needs assessment?
The workplace needs assessment is commissioned by the employer as the first stage in the process of providing reasonable adjustments in the workplace to ensure that the employee is not being disadvantaged due to their neurodivergence. If you are an employee and you feel that you could benefit from a workplace needs assessment, you should discuss this with your line manager or a representative of the Human Resources department.
I am happy to talk this through with you
Who should conduct a workplace needs assessment?
Conducting a workplace needs assessment requires a broad set of skills, including in-depth knowledge of neurodivergence, fluency with organisational techniques such as job analysis, experience of using the consultancy process and creative problem-solving.
As an occupational psychologist and neuropsychologist, I have experience of both sides of this analysis and am ideally suited to carry out this very specialised area of work.
What happens during a workplace needs assessment?
A workplace needs assessment is a multi-step process. It starts with a review of relevant documentation, such as job description and appraisals. Interviews with the employee and the other relevant people are then conducted to gather information about performance in work and any areas of concern. An assessment of the employee’s work setting is then undertaken, to identify any environmental issues.
A workplace needs assessment can be conducted at the employee’s workplace or via video conferencing, with a video-streamed walk-through of their work setting.
What happens after a workplace needs assessment?
After the assessment has been completed, a final meeting with the employee and the other relevant people is conducted to feed back the findings and present the recommendations.
A final report is produced, outlining the findings of the assessment and the recommendations made.
Combined workplace needs and diagnostic assessments
Having information about the employee’s working style can help identify any underlying information challenges that might be contributing to their challenges, as well as highlight areas of strength that can be used to inform strategies and suitable adjustments. It can therefore be useful for the employee to complete a diagnostic assessment prior to the workplace needs assessment.
I therefore offer a combined diagnostic and workplace needs assessment package to produce the most rigorous and tailored recommendations. I offer a reduced rate if a diagnostic assessment and workplace needs assessment are commissioned at the same time.
For information on how to book an assessment, please see How to request an assessment
For information about the cost of a diagnostic assessment and how to pay, please see Fees
If you have any questions regarding how to book a diagnostic assessment, please contact me at
