Virtual Assistants: The Secret to Building Inclusive and Supportive Work Environments

In today’s job market, inclusivity isn’t just a trend; it’s a priority. In fact, 76% of job seekers say a diverse workforce is a key factor when choosing where to apply (GlassDoor). But true inclusion goes beyond hiring — it’s about creating environments where everyone can thrive, including neurodivergent people. 

Unfortunately, neurodiversity often gets overlooked when discussing workplaces, (Autism and neurodiversity in the workplace). That’s where virtual assistants (VAs) come in. As a VA myself, who also received a late diagnosis of ADHD, I’ve seen how our flexible, personalised approach can be a game-changer for supporting neurodivergent clients — people with conditions such as Autism, ADHD, and Dyslexia who often have unique needs. Let’s dive into how VAs are shaping the future of work by fostering inclusivity and creating spaces where neurodivergent people can truly thrive. 

The Role of a Virtual Assistant when Supporting Neurodivergent Clients 

Adaptability truly shines as a VA’s superpower, especially when offering support to clients who are neurodivergent. VAs excel at tailoring the services they provide, whether it’s adjusting workflows, or creating flexible schedules that align with clients’ energy and focus. We’re here to accommodate clients in ways that traditional office setups often can’t! 

1. Managing Workflows and Reducing Overload 

Some neurodivergent people can find organisational tasks challenging, often spending more time on them than they’d like, time and energy that could be focused on something they’re passionate about. Admin tasks are what we VAs do best. We can help organise workflows by breaking tasks into smaller chunks with manageable steps that are easier to track and set up systems to help prioritise tasks, like color-coding or numbering them in a diary based on how urgent they are. Apps like Trello are also great at organising tasks visually and we work alongside our clients to set up and personalise their accounts. 

Moving away from traditional admin tasks, we also make great body doubles. What is body doubling? Body doubling is when someone sits with another person, either in the same room or over a video call, as they take on tasks that might feel overwhelming to complete alone. It can be especially beneficial for people with ADHD, who find staying on task for prolonged periods challenging. We can be the perfect silent cheerleader, providing accountability without the distractions that might come from a friend. 

2. Assisting with Communication and Scheduling 

Communication can be tricky for a lot of us, and it can be even tougher for some neurodivergent people. Whether it’s email overload, the stress of keeping up with constant messages, or the anxiety of navigating telephone etiquette like small talk and knowing when to hang up. We can filter messages, and schedule reminders, allowing clients to stay connected without the anxiety of an overflowing inbox or a packed calendar. 

Tools such as Slack and Microsoft Teams are wonderful for keeping us connected! Joining a virtual meeting from a cozy spot can make a big difference, especially when it helps us avoid harsh lights, the smell of breakroom coffee, or background chatter. Plus, chat messages and conversation threads are really handy — they let us easily reference what we might have missed or give clients the chance to read at their own pace. With Microsoft Teams, we even have the option to set ‘do not disturb’ times for our body doubling sessions! 

Many neurodivergent people, such as those with Dyspraxia, Dyslexia, or ADHD, may benefit from using a Dictaphone or transcription software such as Otter.ai. Traditionally, a Dictaphone was a hand-held cassette that is used specifically for recording speech, but nowadays there is often a built-in Dictaphone function in our mobiles and laptops. As VAs we can help organise these notes or even transcribe them for you. 

The role of VAs is ever transforming, and with more recognition of the importance of inclusive workspaces, our job descriptions no longer solely focus on admin, but also ensuring that people who are neurodivergent thrive in their professional lives. VAs bring a personalised touch that larger organisations sometimes struggle to provide. 

We are committed to creating spaces where neurodivergent people feel supported, respected, and empowered to succeed. Whether it is silently cheering our clients on as body doubles, transcribing their project notes, or organising and colour coding their emails and diary to prioritise their tasks. We believe that everyone deserves a workspace that celebrates their strengths and accommodates their needs. 

By sharing my passion and commitment to inclusivity, I hope to inspire other business owners and VAs to think more deeply about the role they play in creating diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplaces. If you’re interested in building a more inclusive work environment, let’s connect.