OECON GROUP at the Latest WIN Transnational Meeting: Education and Businesses Working Together for Inclusive Workplaces

How can we create a work environment where different ways of thinking, learning, and communicating have the space to thrive?

This question was at the heart of the latest transnational meeting of the partners of the European project WIN – Workplace Inclusion: Neurodiversity, which took place on 16–17 September in Kraków, Poland. Partners from Cyprus, Greece, Slovenia, Italy, Ireland, and Poland came together to exchange experiences and explore practices that promote the inclusion of neurodivergent individuals in the workplace.

WIN is implemented under the Erasmus+ programme and connects adult education with the world of work. Its aim is to strengthen the knowledge and skills of educators and employers, support access to employment for neurodivergent individuals, and promote workplace environments where everyone can make the most of their potential.

From Knowledge Exchange to Practice

The meeting programme combined workshops and discussions with study visits to Akamai Technologies and Cisco. These visits gave partners the opportunity to explore inclusive workplace practices in real-life settings and engage with company representatives to learn from their experiences.

Particular emphasis was placed on universal design: creating spaces, processes, and communication approaches that take diverse needs into account from the outset. Discussions focused on how this approach can support neurodivergent employees, including individuals with ADHD or those on the autism spectrum, while improving day-to-day collaboration within teams.

 

 

Three Key Takeaways from Kraków

• Support is most effective when it is easily accessible.

Solutions that are available to everyone, without unnecessary bureaucratic procedures, make it easier for employees to access the support they need.

• Personal experiences can drive meaningful change.

Employees who choose to share their stories as Role Models help others better understand the real needs, challenges, and strengths of neurodivergent individuals.

• Inclusion requires informed leadership.

Raising awareness among managers and addressing online misinformation emerged as important challenges moving forward. A better understanding of neurodiversity can support more informed decision-making and more inclusive workplace practices.

A European Partnership with Everyday Impact

The meeting highlighted the value of collaboration between educational institutions, organisations, and businesses. The exchange of experiences across countries provides fresh perspectives and practical ideas that can be adapted to a variety of workplace settings.

We would like to thank Diversity Hub for hosting the meeting and all partners for their active participation and valuable collaboration. We also extend our gratitude to Akamai Technologies and Cisco for their warm welcome and for sharing their good practices and insights with us.

Follow the WIN project and join us in creating workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to participate, grow, and thrive.