Neuroqueer(ing) Experiences of Workplace Well-Being
Authors
Achilles Brandt, Nico Maria Helth ; Dzakou, Jennifer Sibel Adzowa
Term
4. semester
Education
Publication year
2024
Submitted on
2024-05-30
Pages
84
Abstract
This master’s thesis examines how workplace settings shape the well-being of people at the intersection of queerness and neurodivergence—referred to as neuroqueers and/or those who engage in neuroqueering. Grounded in Nick Walker’s neurodiversity paradigm and the concept of neuroqueer(ing) (2021), it addresses the research question: How is the neuroqueer(ing) experience of well-being affected by workplace settings and practices? Using a mixed-methods design, the study combines seven qualitative semi-structured interviews with 92 quantitative survey responses. The analysis identified seven themes spanning recruitment, job interviews, first days and task onboarding, being “out” as neuroqueer, expression (dress and stimming), diversity-equity-inclusion efforts, and visions of an ideal workplace. Rather than defining a single “typical” experience, the study highlights varied experiences, struggles, and perspectives to inform actionable guidance. Recommendations include: zero tolerance for ableism, homophobia, and transphobia; transparent communication (“speak, ask, and listen”); sensory-friendly environments; flexible and remote work options; workplaces made by and for neuroqueers with increased representation, pronoun check-ins, and gender-neutral bathrooms; avoiding the “lumping” of identities; and embracing embodied liberation with managers modeling multiple ways of functioning, working, and self-expression. Employers are encouraged to review, educate, and update people and policies regarding neuroqueer(ing) identities, listen to employees’ needs, and adapt working conditions accordingly.
Denne kandidatafhandling undersøger, hvordan arbejdspladsens rammer påvirker trivsel for personer i krydsfeltet mellem queerness og neurodivergens—her kaldet neuroqueers og/eller personer der neuroqueerer. Studiet er teoretisk forankret i Nick Walkers neurodiversitetsparadigme og neuroqueer(ing)-begrebet (2021) og besvarer forskningsspørgsmålet: Hvordan påvirkes den neuroqueer(ing) oplevelse af velvære af arbejdspladsens indstillinger og praksisser? Med en mixed-methods tilgang kombinerer afhandlingen syv kvalitative semistrukturerede interviews med 92 kvantitative spørgeskemabesvarelser. Analysen identificerede syv temaer på tværs af rekruttering, jobsamtaler, første arbejdsdage og oplæring, åbenhed om identitet, udtryk (påklædning og stimming), DE&I-indsatser og visioner for den ideelle arbejdsplads. Formålet er ikke at fastslå en “typisk” erfaring, men at belyse forskellige oplevelser, udfordringer og perspektiver for at give konkrete anbefalinger. Anbefalingerne omfatter: nul tolerance over for ableisme, homofobi og transfobi; transparens og dialog (“tal, spørg og lyt”); sansevenlige miljøer; fleksible og fjernarbejdsmuligheder; arbejdspladser skabt af og for neuroqueers med øget repræsentation, pronomen-check-ins og kønsneutrale toiletter; undlad at “klumpe” identiteter sammen; samt kropslig frigørelse, hvor ledere modellerer flere måder at fungere, arbejde og udtrykke sig på. Arbejdsgivere opfordres til at gennemgå, opdatere og uddanne mennesker og politikker om neuroqueer(ing)-identiteter, lytte til medarbejdernes behov og tilpasse arbejdsvilkår.
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Keywords