Measuring The Economic Impact Of Neurodivergent Inclusion On Workforce Productivity And Retention

Abstract

This study examines whether organizations that adopt structured, proactive neurodivergent-inclusive practices (NII) demonstrate measurable differences in workforce productivity and voluntary retention compared to organizations that limit their approach to compliance-based accommodations. Drawing on human capital theory and organizational psychology frameworks, we analyzed data from 242 mid-to-large organizations across four industry sectors using a cross-sectional, mixed-methods design. Neurodivergent inclusion was operationalized through a validated 18-item composite instrument (NII Index, alpha = .87) measuring structural accommodations, cultural integration, and managerial capability. Productivity was indexed via objective OKR attainment scores; retention was measured as annual voluntary turnover rate.