In recognition of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we wanted to share more information about the NaturalMotion Neurodiversity At Zynga (NaZ) Employee Resource Group. NaZ provides support, knowledge sharing and resources that benefit both neurodiverse team members and non-neurodiverse colleagues and managers.
What is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is the concept that all humans vary in terms of our neurocognitive ability. Everyone has both talents and things they struggle with. However, for some people, the variation between those strengths and challenges is more pronounced, which can bring advantages but can also be disabling.
Neurodivergent people tend to find some things very easy and other things incredibly hard. Without the right adjustments, this can lead to inconsistent performance at school or work.
Neurodiversity can be a competitive advantage when the individuals are in the right environment, making use of their strengths, instead of constantly trying to overcome challenges.
By working with a diverse team, employees have more of an opportunity to learn from a range of workplace skills.
In 2021, 18% of the UK games industry identified as neurodivergent.
Statista Research Department
Neurodiversity At Zynga (NaZ)
At NaZ we aim to:
- Improve accessibility in our games for our players
- Improve accessibility support for employees
- Increase awareness and learning about neurodiversity through events, training and providing quality, up-to-date resources
Since the NaZ UK chapter launched in 2021, we have been providing support and resources to neurodiverse and non-neurodiverse team members, creating a community that allows our neurodiverse team members to bring their authentic selves to work, in a safe and supportive environment.
Our Commitment
At NaturalMotion we are committed to supporting everyone at work. To help achieve this, we aim to create inclusive spaces to work and learn, that reduce disabling factors and amplify diverse abilities. Here are some of the ways we are doing this:
- Employees can request equipment and items that make work more comfortable, including portable desk barriers, noise cancelling headphones, and weighted blankets
- Providing inclusive technology software on request
- All employees receive an annual Professional Development Allowance, which can be put towards training and coaching. For example, Genius Within, a neurodivergent led business, offers Neurodiversity Awareness Training, eLearning and Coaching
- Providing Awareness Training for people managers
- Workshops and hosting industry guest speakers, covering topics such as mental health and creative dyslexia
- Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) gives employees 24/7 access to confidential counselling and information services, offering support for family issues, work issues, emotional concerns, financial matters, or parent coaching
- On-demand clinical consulting to support employees with parenting, personal and professional needs. The program provides tools for anyone raising neurodiverse children, such as 1:1 support with Board Certified Behaviour Analysts and clinically validated video and audio trainings
- Running events, including Puppy Yoga Therapy and arts & crafts
- To help our team members prioritise ‘me time’ or take time out to recharge, in addition to our annual leave allowance, we have two paid personal days per year
- Pledge partnership with #RaiseTheGame, we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusivity
- Reviewing our hiring processes and practices, to ensure candidates feel prepared and supported. Providing accommodations to assist during the job application and interview process
Interested in joining NaturalMotion? You can search for our open vacancies here https://www.naturalmotion.com/vacancies/