Workplace Needs Assessments That Actually Work

A workplace needs assessment is a personalised evaluation designed to identify the specific needs of an employee with a neurodivergent condition. The assessment is carried out by a qualified specialist who carries out an assessment with the employee to understand their specific difficulties and the demands of their role. The goal is to develop a tailored support plan that includes reasonable adjustments and strategies to help the employee overcome these challenges and thrive in their job.

A qualified workplace needs assessor should have formal neurodiversity qualifications (such as a PGCert in Neurodiversity), workplace needs assessor certification and ideally employment law expertise. At Silk Helix, Jenefer holds all three, plus 20 years of HR experience and lived experience of dyslexia and ADHD.

Not all workplace needs assessors offer the same level of expertise or support. The differences can significantly impact whether the assessment actually leads to meaningful change. Here's some things to check before booking someone:

Yes, book a free consultation direct with Jenefer (who carries out all the assessments).

Yes. A workplace needs assessment demonstrates that an employer has taken reasonable steps to identify and implement adjustments under the Equality Act 2010. Employment tribunals look for evidence that employers identified employee needs and provided appropriate support. Silk Helix assessments include detailed documentation of recommendations and implementation progress, which is valuable evidence of compliance if needed.

No. A workplace needs assessment is based on individual needs rather than diagnosis. We look at the person, their challenges and their role requirements. However, if there is a diagnosis, diagnostic reports can be useful information to help inform the assessment.

We can also drop diagnostic labels from any title and reports. Perhaps you've identified an individual with performance concerns that are similar to those experienced by someone with a neurodivergent condition but they don't identify with any particular label. It's not a problem, we can still help and we'll work with an individual on the same basis we do with everyone, as an individual.

Yes, we carry out all assessments remotely via video call. This means we can work with anyone across the UK and there's no waiting list. Assessments can start immediately, with reports typically delivered within 2 weeks.

Yes. Silk Helix has a guide, written by Jenefer, that is designed specifically for employees which includes a video explaining the process step by step.

No. A workplace needs assessment looks at the whole person, not the diagnosis. The overlap between conditions makes it difficult to separate needs for each diagnosed condition, for example dyslexia and ADHD. It is true that we need to understand individual challenges, whether they're dyslexic challenges or ADHD ones may mean different adjustments are recommended and that comes with talking to the person as a whole person. The same applies for any other co-occurring conditions there may be (also referred to in some clinical settings as co-morbidity).

Prices vary significantly across providers and it's important to understand what you're actually getting for your investment. At Silk Helix, a complete workplace needs assessment is £975 + VAT and here's what that includes:

Before we even begin, you'll have a pre-assessment consultation with me to ensure I'm the right fit and clarify exactly what you need. I then gather comprehensive background information from the employee, line manager and HR where appropriate - this isn't a tick-box exercise, it's thorough preparation that ensures nothing is missed.

The assessment itself includes a 30-minute discussion with the line manager to understand the role requirements and challenges from their perspective, followed by a detailed 2-hour assessment with the employee. This in-depth conversation explores their strengths, challenges, work environment and specific role demands.

After the assessment, you receive a detailed, evidence-based report with practical recommendations tailored to the individual and their role, not generic advice copied from a template. The employee sees the report first, building trust from the outset, before it's shared with management.

But I don't stop at the report. You also receive a complete implementation plan with a progress tracking form, plus a 30-minute wrap-up call to ensure everyone understands the recommendations and next steps. Three months later, I follow up with a review call to assess how the adjustments are working and make further recommendations if needed.

And because I'm a qualified HR advisor as well as a neurodiversity specialist, if productivity doesn't improve after implementing my recommendations, I can advise you on the exact next steps, something most assessment providers simply can't offer.

Many providers charge less upfront but deliver only a report, leaving you to figure out implementation alone. Others charge extra for follow-up support that I include as standard. When you factor in everything included, my assessment represents genuine value and a fraction of the cost of the problems that arise when employees aren't properly supported.

At the time of booking a 50% payment will be required to secure the appointment, with the remainder due prior to the report being issued. Appointments cancelled with more than 48 hours notice will receive a full refund of any payment made, after which we reserve the right to charge 50% of the full cost as a cancellation charge.

Access to Work is a government grant which gives practical support to disabled individuals where adjustments are needed for them to access or stay in work. Employers are still required to meet their requirements to make reasonable adjustments, access to work can provide funding for additional support needed, the level of funding is dependent on the size of the organisation. Access to Work will do a workplace needs assessment as part of their process if the individual requests it, however, this assessment will not include input from the employer and turnaround times can be long, leaving employees unsupported for many months.

A workplace needs assessment with Silk Helix does focus on the individual, their needs within their job role - however, we're also considering how the employer can best support the individual. We look beyond purchases such as desks, monitors and software, we also consider management style and the work environment. Our workplace needs assessments include a follow up call with the Manager to provide advice on supporting the individual to thrive and can provide continued support and training if needed.

When you partner with Silk Helix, you're getting a boutique service that's about your organisation and the individual. The individual can chat with Jenefer before booking to ensure they're comfortable, giving them confidence they're talking to someone who understands, is qualified and will provide recommendations that really work for them.

Our workplace needs assessments include a follow up. Your report will be accompanied by an implementation plan and review form, enabling you to easily track implementation of adjustments and their success. As workplace needs assessments should never be "one-and-done" we include a review after 3 months, following up with you to assess the success of adjustments and make further recommendations if needed.

We have an entire blog post on this, but here is a summary of the key differences:

A culture of inclusion and innovation allows companies to tap into a wider array of talents and perspectives. Employees who are neurodivergent often bring unique problem-solving skills, creativity and attention to detail that can drive innovation and improve processes. By embracing neurodiversity, businesses can enhance their adaptability, boost employee morale and attract a broader talent pool, ultimately leading to a more resilient and competitive organisation.

Furthermore, creating an inclusive environment that supports neurodiverse individuals can enhance team dynamics and collaboration, leading to better outcomes and a more positive workplace culture. A workplace needs assessment will ensure that you have the right supports in place to embrace and leverage the talent of your neurodivergent employees.