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  • New publication: Tech-Enabled Inclusion – Leveraging Social Media to Empower Neurodivergent Employees in the Workplace

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    Tile 1: Tech-Enabled Inclusion Leveraging Social Media to Empower Neurodivergent Employees in the Workplace Authors: Dr Maria Khan, Dr Carys W Chan, Dr Hongmin (Jess) Yan and Sudong Shang. Vector graphic showing diverse people (bottom) and the Griffith University and Inclusive Futures: Reimaging Disability logos (top).

    Can social media help make workplaces more inclusive for neurodivergent employees?

    A new study by the Centre for Work, Organisation and Wellbeing (WOW) at Griffith University, explores how social media can help create workplaces where everyone's unique way of thinking is valued. The researchers, Dr Maria Khan, Dr Carys W Chan, Dr Hongmin (Jess) Yan and Dr Sudong Shang, present a new framework that clarifies how technology could make a real difference for neurodivergent employees.

    The study explores how digital communication tools can empower neurodivergent employees (NDEs) by providing:

    • Psychological safety – A space where employees feel comfortable being their authentic selves.
    • Accessible communication – Social media allows for asynchronous interactions, reducing the pressure of real-time conversations.
    • Representation and visibility – NDEs can share their experiences, connect with peers, and advocate for workplace changes.
    • Empowered participation – Digital platforms offer new ways to engage in decision-making and collaboration.

    However, challenges remain—privacy concerns, inconsistent support, and workplace barriers still exist. Organisations must take intentional steps to leverage technology effectively, foster inclusive leadership, and understand the specific needs of neurodivergent employees.

    When inclusion is done right, everyone benefits. 🌍✨

    Read more: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/hrm.22290

    More information:
    Dr Maria Khan, Research Fellow
    Centre for Work, Organisation and Wellbeing (WOW)
    Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability
    Griffith University

    maria.khan@griffith.edu.au

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-a-khan/

    Citation:
    Khan, M., Wen Chan, X., Yan, H., & Shang, S. (2025). Tech-Enabled Inclusion: Leveraging Social Media to Empower Neurodivergent Employees in the Workplace. Human Resource Management, https://doi.org/10.1002/hrm.22290


    Can social media bridge the gap in workplace inclusion for neurodivergent employees? Photo of a neurodiverse male and female laughing and holding a tablet device. Griffith University and Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability logos (bottom right corner).


    Tile 4: Empowering Neurodivergent Employees: Representation Matters • Diverse Neurological Profiles: NDEs include individuals with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, Tourette syndrome, and more. • Unrepresented Talent Pool: Despite their unique strengths, NDEs often face workplace barriers and undervaluation. • Valuable Workplace Contributors: NDEs bring distinct skills and perspectives that can enhance innovation and productivity.



    Tile 5: Inclusion of NDEs Vector graphic with three diverse people including one wheelchair user holding signs with the words: • Psychological Safety and Authenticity: Creating a safe space for NDEs to be their true selves. • Workgroup Involvement: Encouraging meaningful participation and collaboration. • Respect and Influence: Ensuring NDEs feel valued and included in decision making.


    Tile 6: Inclusion Pathways Vector graphic with two business people (a woman in suit and man with pants, shirt and tie) with direction signs with the words: • NDE-related • Leader-related • Peer-related


    Tile 7: Social Media (SM) Vector graphic of a hand holding a mobile device with many diverse people on the screen and the text: Benefits • Builds self-efficacy & empowerment • Enables accessible communication & connection Challenges: • Privacy & safety concerns • Inconsistent supervisory & peer support


    Tile 8: Vector graphic with five diverse people with speech bubbles and the words: To support Neurodivergent employees, organisations must: 1. Leverage social media applications effectively. 2. Understand NDE-specific needs. 3. Foster an inclusive culture through leadership.


    Tile 9: Inclusive workplaces empower everyone! Six (6) Coloured circles with the words • Foster psychological safety (image: lock and cogs) • Encourage active involvement (image: megaphone) • Promote inclusive leadership (image: staff ID badge) • Support respectful communication (image: two people talking) • Recognise diverse contributions (image: trophy) • Provide accessible resources (image: tablet and pen with letters ABC)


    Tile 10: More information Red background with text and an image of Dr Maria Khan in a circle shape – Maria is a young Pakistani woman with long dark wavy hair, wearing a dark jumper and white collared blouse. Dr. Maria Khan is a postdoctoral research fellow at Griffith University's Centre for Work, Organisation and Wellbeing (WOW) and Griffith Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability. maria.khan@griffith.edu.au https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-a-khan/


  • International Day of People with Disability – Empowering Tomorrow: Inclusive Futures researchers unite to rescue and achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (Part 2)

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    Join us as we celebrate International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD)!

    This week, on 3 December, we acknowledge IDPwD, a significant day recognised by the United Nations. The IDPwD program aligns with Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-31 and aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability. The United Nations Theme for IDPwD 2023 is ‘United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for, with and by persons with disabilities.’

    Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability – the Griffith University disability research beacon, addresses the core United Nations principle of Leave No-one Behind that underpins all 17 Sustainable Development Goals. We reduce inequalities through partnerships with community and industry to provide inclusive infrastructure and innovation that can improve quality of life for people with disability.

    Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability draws on dozens of research experts who specialise in disability across all stages of life and societal levels. They bring expertise in all types of disabilities, chronic conditions and a wide array of methods and practices.

    To mark this occasion, we shine a spotlight on researchers and projects dedicated to uniting in action, striving to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals for, with and by persons with disability.

    A montage of three colour images, 1. LeagueAbility players walk onto the field, 2. Associate Professor Popi Sotiriadou, 3. The LeagueAbility Team, coaches and crew pose for a photo on the field at Cbus Stadium, Robina.Gold Coast Titans LeagueAbility participants and A/Professor Popi Sotiriadou (inset)

    Researcher Spotlight: A/Professor Popi Sotiriadou, Associate Professor of Sport Management (SFHEA)

    Associate Professor Popi Sotiriadou is a distinguished international expert in the field of “Managing High Performance Sport” and is a true pioneer in “Sports Education”.

    To Popi, the “International Day of People with Disability represents a moment to celebrate achievements, raise awareness, advocate for change, and reinforce the commitment to creating a more inclusive and accessible society.”

    “My research provides evidence that informs the development of policies and advocacy efforts aimed at improving the rights and well-being of people with disability. This relates to accessibility, employment, education, and healthcare. Also, it contributes to the development of accessible technologies, infrastructure, and environments through the promotion of universal design principles. This enhances accessibility and usability for individuals with diverse abilities.”

    LeagueAbility: Transforming Lives, Breaking Barriers, and Building Inclusive Futures in Disability Rugby

    "LeagueAbility" is a pioneering initiative led by the Gold Coast Titans, providing a unique platform for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities to engage in Physical Disability Rugby League. Launched in 2018, the program aims to break down barriers to sports participation for people with disability, offering inclusive and accessible opportunities for them to participate in rugby league. Over the years, the program has witnessed remarkable growth, with a 425% increase in participant numbers. The initiative not only focuses on fostering physical activity but also emphasises the broader impact on participants' well-being, empowerment, and social inclusion.

    Collaborative efforts with Griffith University and Playbk Sports underscore the commitment to expanding the program's reach, utilising technology to provide educational resources and creating a pathway for the establishment of a National Rugby League Competition for People with Disability. "LeagueAbility" is not just a sports program; it's a transformative force promoting inclusivity, community engagement, and a pathway for individuals with disabilities to fulfill their dreams.

    The "LeagueAbility" research, led by A/Professor Popi Sotiriadou, is a collaborative effort between the Gold Coast Titans, Griffith University, and Playbk Sports, and stands at the intersection of inclusive sports, education, and technology, aligning with various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By providing an exclusive Physical Disability Rugby League team and leveraging technology to create an online educational platform, the project directly addresses SDGs 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 4 (Quality Education), and 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

    The program's holistic impact is evident in the surveyed improvements across cognitive, human capital, and behavioural aspects, contributing to the well-being and empowerment of participants. Furthermore, the collaboration exemplifies SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), aiming to attract support for the expansion of the program and establish sustainable practices. In essence, "LeagueAbility" serves as a beacon for the inclusive integration of persons with disability, embodying the broader vision of a more equitable, healthy, and connected society.

    For more information please contact Popi at p.sotiriadou@griffith.edu.au

    Find out more:
    https://www.griffith.edu.au/engage/professional-learning/content-centre/leagues-ability-to-lead-the-way

    https://www.titans.com.au/news/2022/12/07/titans-leagueability-program-receives-recognition-from-griffith-university-for--championing-inclusivity-in-sport/


    A colour head and shoulders photograph of researcher Dr Maria Khan. Maria is a young woman with fair skin and long dark wavy hair, she is wearing a black dress with white collar and a gold chain.Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability Researcher Dr Maria Khan
    Researcher Spotlight: Dr Maria Khan


    Dr Maria Khan is a research fellow in the Centre of Work, Organisation and Wellbeing (WOW), working with the Griffith Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability (IFRD) Beacon at Griffith University.

    “To me, the International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is an opportunity to increase awareness around the inclusion of people with disability at work and in society. My research is aimed at fostering inclusion for PwD in the workplace to reiterate the importance of a more accessible and equitable society for everyone.”

    “By exploring how information and communication technology (ICT) and artificial intelligence (AI) can facilitate the inclusion of employees with disability, my research aims to provide practical solutions for creating a more inclusive workplace. In addition, through exploring how the employment lifecycle of young PwD can be improved, my research aims to identify diverse needs of PwD and address systemic barriers to create sustainable inclusion at work.”

    Technology-Driven Inclusion: Empowering Employees with Disabilities in the Workplace

    Utilising her background in technology and employee voice, Dr Khan is researching how to create inclusion at work for people with disability (PwD). Her current projects include investigating how information and communication technology (ICT) can facilitate the inclusion of neurodivergent employees. The research emphasises how ICTs can be leveraged to cater to neurodivergent employees’ specific needs, which can help foster an inclusive culture at work.

    Maria's research also includes exploring factors affecting the employment lifecycle of young people with disability (YPwD), wherein she aims to identify barriers and facilitators for YPwD as they navigate their employment journey. She is also interested in examining opportunities and possible concerns of using artificial intelligence (AI) to include PwDs at work and prepare them for employment.

    Her work is closely aligned with SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG 10 – Reduced Inequality, as it is focused on leveraging technology and giving a voice to an undervalued group in society.

    By proposing a technology-inclusion framework and highlighting pathways related to inclusive leadership and peer support, Maria's research discusses ways to create more equitable workplace opportunities. In doing so, she aims to explore how best to develop decent workplaces that prioritise dignity and meaningful participation of employees with disability.

    Find out more: https://experts.griffith.edu.au/20971-maria-khan.

    Please email Maria at maria.khan@griffith.edu.au if you would like to participate in, or know more about this research.