Workplace Needs Assessments
Workplace Needs Assessments: Supporting all Employees to Thrive
You rely on your team to drive results - but what happens when an employee is struggling, and you're not sure how to help? You might notice missed deadlines, errors, or communication breakdowns. Perhaps a valued employee is disengaged, requesting adjustments or even considering leaving. You want to support them, but you're unsure what's reasonable, practical or legally required.
That's where a Workplace Needs Assessment from a qualified assessor comes in.
A Workplace Needs Assessment provides clear, expert recommendations tailored to your employee's role and your business needs. Whether they're neurodivergent (such as having dyslexia, ADHD, or autism) or facing another workplace barrier, this assessment identifies practical adjustments to help them work at their best.
Benefits of a Workplace Needs Assessment
A Workplace Needs Assessment for an employee boosts productivity by ensuring they receive the necessary support to succeed in their role, tailored to their unique needs and job responsibilities, empowering them to perform at their best:
Workplace Needs Assessments Reduce Management Headaches
By supporting employee's you will reduce turnover and retain valuable talent, improve morale and engagement, lightening the load for your managers! This is all in addition to meeting your requirements as an employer, under the Equality Act 2010, to make reasonable adjustments.
By providing targeted recommendations, our workplace needs assessments improve the employee's productivity, job satisfaction, and overall well-being, leading to a more effective and harmonious work environment. Engaging Silk Helix to carry out a workplace assessment guarantees that on those rare occassions that productivity doesn't improve following the assessment, as qualified HR advisors we're able to tell you the exact next steps to follow.
Workplace needs assessments should, where possible, be conducted early in employment to ensure the best chance of success in the role. However, if that hasn't happened we recommend getting an assessment as soon as you are aware an employee has a neurodivergent condition or even when you've just noticed challenges .
What's the Process?
£450
- History gathering - the line manager, individual and possibly HR will be asked to supply information to ensure a full picture of the role, organisation and individual's history
- Discussion with the line manager
- Discussion with the individual
- The report is prepared
- The report sent to individual first
- The final report is sent to the manager or HR
- Follow up call to ask any questions and seek clarity
All prices are exclusive of VAT.
No Obligation. Speak directly with Jenefer.
What is a Workplace Needs Assessment?
A Workplace Needs Assessment is a personalised evaluation designed to identify the specific needs of an employee with a neurodivergent condition. Workplace Needs Assessments are suitable for employees who are neurodivergent, we specialise in dyslexia, ADHD and dyspraxia but ultimately this is about the individual and their needs - not a label. Experiences of neurodivergent conditions vary greatly, with many people having co-occuring conditions so we really are simply looking at the individual.
Individuals Matter
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.
Is a workplace needs assessment good for the employee?
Yes, a workplace needs assessment benefits an employee by identifying the specific adjustments, tools, and strategies that can help them work more effectively and comfortably. It's a supportive process that focuses on removing barriers related to neurodivergence, enabling the employee to thrive in their role.
The assessment leads to personalised recommendations that can reduce stress, improve productivity and support wellbeing - ultimately making the working environment more accessible and inclusive. It also ensures the employee's needs are recognised and taken seriously, helping them feel valued and empowered at work.
Our guide for employees can be shared with individuals who have concerns and we're happy to talk to an employee and reassure them before you book!
Is a formal diagnosis needed?
No. A workplace needs assessment is based on individual needs rather than the diagnosis. However, if there is a diagnosis, diagnostic reports may be useful information to help the assessment.
Occupational Health Assessment vs. Workplace Needs Assessment
| Workplace Needs Assessment | Occupational Health Assessment | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Proactive with a focus on identifying practical workplace adjustments, tools and support that will enable the employee to perform their job effectively. | Generally reactive with a focus on understanding how an employee's health condition affects their ability to work or whether they can return to work. |
| By | Carried out by a specialist in workplace adjustments and neurodiversity. | Usually carried out by a medical professional. |
| Goal | Looks at the tasks the employee needs to do and what changes can be made to support them, regardless of diagnosis or medical condition. | The emphasis is on the health condition itself, how it interacts with the employee's role and how risks are managed. Sometimes used to advise on fitness for work, return-to-work plans or the impact of illness or injury. |
Do we need multiple assessments if there are co-occurring conditions?
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).
How are workplace needs assessments carried out?
We carry out our workplace needs assessments remotely. Prior to the assessment both the individual and line Manager (possibly HR is appropriate) will be asked to complete a background information questionnaire. A video call meeting will be held with the line Manager to help understand the role and individuals challenges and then a detailed video call meeting will be held with the individual. During this call we'll explore the individual's strengths and challenges to build a detailed picture leading to recommendations specific to the individual and situation.
Will an employment tribunal accept a workplace needs assessment?
Yes, an Employment Tribunal can accept a workplace needs assessment as evidence, especially when it is relevant to claims involving disability discrimination or failure to make reasonable adjustments. While it is not a legal requirement to have one, a workplace needs assessment demonstrates that the employee's needs were identified and that practical support was considered or implemented. This can be a valuable part of the evidence in showing whether an employer met their duties under the Equality Act 2010.
What makes us neurodiversity specialists?
At Silk Helix, we are neurodiversity specialists dedicated to helping employers create inclusive workplaces. Jenefer, our Founder, brings a unique blend of professional qualifications and personal experience to the table. Jenefer is a qualified workplace needs assessor, ensuring she can accurately identify and address the specific needs of neurodiverse employees.
Additionally, Jenefer's study for a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) in Neurodiversity guarantees that she brings the latest knowledge and best practices in the field. She also has personal lived experience of Dyslexia and ADHD as well as being a parent to a wonderfully neurodivergent child.
All of this expertise is built on top of Jenefer's 20 years of extensive experience and qualifications in employment law. With Silk Helix, you are partnering with experienced professionals who understand the multifaceted nature of neurodiversity and are committed to supporting you to build an inclusive work environment for your business.
What's Included?
- 30 minute discussion with line Manager
- 60-90 minutes discussion with the individual
- Detailed report outlining specific adjustment recommendations
- 30 minute follow up meeting
Act Now – Solve the Problem Before It Costs You More
Workplace challenges rarely fix themselves. The longer you wait, the more time, money, and frustration it could cost your business. Investing in a Workplace Needs Assessment now can unlock potential, prevent performance issues, and strengthen your team for long-term success.
📩 Book a Workplace Needs Assessment today and take the first step towards a more productive, inclusive workplace! Simply email team@silkhelix.co.uk or book a consultation.
What's the Process?
£450
- History gathering - the line manager, individual and possibly HR will be asked to supply information to ensure a full picture of the role, organisation and individual's history
- Discussion with the line manager
- Discussion with the individual
- The report is prepared
- The report sent to individual first
- The final report is sent to the manager or HR
- Follow up call to ask any questions and seek clarity
All prices are exclusive of VAT.
No Obligation. Speak directly with Jenefer.
The two recommendations we'll always make:
- Let the individual talk to you about their challenges so you can work together to find solutions
- Awareness training
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a Workplace Needs Assessment?
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.
Why does Neurodiversity matter to my business?
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.
Can a Workplace Needs Assessment be carried out remotely?
Yes, we carry out assessments remotely so we can work with anyone across the UK.
Can we speak to the person doing the assessment?
Yes, book a free consultation direct with Jenefer (who carries out all the assessments).
What are the payment terms?
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.