Training Industry Magazine - Winter 2024 - 18

IMPROVING SKILLS GAPS AT WELLS FARGO
Major financial institution Wells Fargo has a program to hire and support employees with neurodiverse
cognitive profiles. The program began in April 2020 as part of a wider diversity and inclusion effort focused on
increasing the talent pipeline. To date, nearly 260 neurodiverse individuals have been hired.
As Stephen A. DeStefani, a Wells Fargo senior vice president who oversees their neurodiversity inclusion
program, explains, " There was deep recognition of the disproportionately unemployed and underserved nature
of that community. We're focused on improving representation across as many lines of business and as many
critical skills as we can accomplish. We're seeing skills gaps close. We're seeing higher employee satisfaction. "
Neurodivergent employee Laura Rogers describes the impact the program has had on her, " The biggest thing
is just having people be understanding and not judge me based on neurotypical standards. That has really
helped me thrive. "
people - many workers don't get
regular insights or guidance. So,
alongside regular feedback sessions,
providing skills training can demonstrate
progression through badging, completed
assessments, certificates and more. It can
contribute to a sense of achievement
and pride as they move higher up a
skill's mastery level.
IMPROVING ACCESS TO TRAINING
Of course, because virtual skills
training is delivered anywhere with an
internet connection, it gives individuals
the freedom to choose where and how
to engage with it. This allows someone
to select the time, place and pace best
suited to their needs, ultimately getting
the best results from them.
Hands-on learning opportunities can
further broaden access for people
who prefer practical elements in their
skill-building. In a way, that's true for
everyone since you cannot effectively
master a skill without applying it - we
wouldn't let a learner driver get a full
license without a practical test, nor
allow a surgeon to operate without
hours of hands-on training. Still, for
those who struggle with writing or
reading, offering virtual hands-on
learning in the form of experiences
and performance-based learning
experiences can be precisely what
they need to keep pace with changing
business needs.
18
BUILDING THE RIGHT SKILLS
No two people are the same, which means
they require different types of support
to be successful. The kind of skills that
neurodivergent individuals might need to
work on will differ, too. Of course, every
employee has their strengths and areas
for improvement. Yet, some neurodiverse
candidates may feel they'll benefit from
dedicated communications and social
skills training that will help them navigate
workplace etiquette.
At SAP, for example, a " soft skills " module
proved popular with neurodiverse
candidates who had never worked in a
professional environment. Such skills are
not taught effectively through theoretical
knowledge alone. Individuals will need
opportunities to practice their skills
in a safe environment, whether this is
via an online peer learning group or a
simulated experience. Indeed, some
early research into the use of mixed
and virtual reality is showing positive
results for teaching communication
and social interaction skills to children
with autism.
TRAIN YOUR MANAGERS, TOO
Providing training to employees is
only half of the equation. Training
managers to provide inclusive team
environments is essential if you want
your employees to thrive and remain.
Managers leading by example is
a crucial step - they must build a
psychologically safe environment to
support the growth of employees.
Inclusivity training offers some basic
skills, like how to create a culture of
safety, celebrate individual differences
and advocate for others. More
specific
neurodiverse training can
include communicating clearly, setting
detailed goals, providing constructive
feedback and coaching. These skills
NO TWO
PEOPLE ARE
THE SAME,
WHICH MEANS
THEY REQUIRE
DIFFERENT
TYPES OF
SUPPORT TO BE
SUCCESSFUL.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2023/08/25/neurodiversity-in-the-workplace-rising/70595259007/?gnt-cfr=1 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10639-023-11862-x https://trainingindustry.com/magazine/issue/why-do-we-wait-to-train-our-new-managers/ https://trainingindustry.com/magazine/issue/why-do-we-wait-to-train-our-new-managers/

Training Industry Magazine - Winter 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Training Industry Magazine - Winter 2024