Category Workplace Disclosure   Show all

  • APM and Griffith University announce new research partnership on neurodiversity in the workplace

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    Head-and-shoulders portrait of Aron Mercer, a Griffith University PhD candidate and Adjunct Industry Fellow. He has short dark hair styled neatly, wears a navy collared shirt and teal glasses, and is smiling at the camera. The APM logo appears in the top left, and the Griffith University Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability logo appears along the bottom of the image.Aron Mercer, Griffith University PhD Candidate and Adjunct Industry Fellow

    Advanced Personnel Management (APM) has entered into a new three-year research partnership with Griffith University and PhD Candidate and Adjunct Industry Fellow Aron Mercer, focused on understanding and improving the workplace experiences of neurodivergent employees. The project—Investigation into the Lived Experience of Neurodivergent Employees: Workplace Disclosure and Belonging—will explore how organisational culture, systems, and interpersonal dynamics shape decisions to disclose a neurodivergent identity at work, and how those decisions impact belonging across the employee lifecycle.

    Neurodivergence affects an estimated one in five people, yet many choose not to disclose at work due to fears of stigma, misunderstanding, or exclusion. For an organisation like APM—whose workforce reflects the communities it supports—this represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Through this partnership, APM becomes the exclusive Industry Partner on a major program of work that will deliver new insights to inform internal policies, reasonable adjustments, training, and cultural change across its national and global operations.

    Led by Aron Mercer, a neurodivergent author and recognised expert in inclusive employment, and supported by Chief Investigator Professor Elizabeth Kendall AM, the project will engage neurodivergent APM staff and position APM as a leader in evidence-informed inclusive practice.

    Quotes

    Aron Mercer, PhD Candidate, Griffith University:
    "APM supports employers, individuals and communities to enable better lives through employment, disability, mental health, workplace health and wellbeing, and aged care services. Through my research, APM is drawing the spotlight on itself, by examining the experiences of neurodivergent workers. It’s truly humbling to have APM as a partner. I am excited about what we can uncover together."

    James Muller, CEO – Employment Services, APM:
    "At APM, we believe that creating truly inclusive workplaces starts with understanding the lived experiences of our people. Partnering with Aron and Griffith University on this research reflects our commitment to evidence-based action that not only supports neurodivergent employees but also helps shape practical solutions for employers everywhere. We welcome this opportunity to learn, improve, and share insights that make a real-world difference across the employment and disability sectors and the broader community."

    About the Partnership

    APM’s investment includes a cross-business financial commitment, in-kind employee engagement and participation, advocacy and support to ensure findings translate into meaningful changes across the organisation, and through to its customers and delivery partners. The research will also inform service offerings and learning programs delivered by APM brands such as Konekt, WorkCare, Generation Health, Acumen Health and Employment Services.

    About APM

    APM supports more than two million people across 11 countries, with over 16,300 team members across more than 1,500 locations. In Australia, APM has 6,280 team members across 630 locations, delivering employment services, health and wellbeing programs, disability support, and community services.

    More information about APM can be found at: https://apm.net.au/apm-group