Siemens Mobility is a division of Siemens AG, focusing on providing innovative and sustainable transportation solutions. With a legacy spanning over 160 years, Siemens Mobility has established itself as a global leader in rail and road transport technology, offering a wide range of products and services that enhance the efficiency, reliability, and safety of transportation systems worldwide.
At Siemens, the company prides itself on being an innovative organisation where diverse perspectives are valued and encouraged. It recognises that everyone sees the world differently and believes every voice deserves to be heard. Siemens is committed to creating a supportive environment for all employees, including those who are neurodiverse or have neurodiverse family members. Understanding that there is no one-size-fits-all approach, the company celebrates the unique contributions of everyone. By driving an inclusive culture, Siemens aims to empower everyone to bring their whole selves to work and share their diverse perspectives.
Objectives
Siemens Mobility partnered with Cognassist with two key objectives:
- To raise awareness around neurodiversity and neuro-inclusion.
- To make a meaningful difference for individuals and teams.
Champions and managers were trained first to support employees before providing access to Cognassist.
Anticipated Benefits of the Pilot Programme
Participants in the pilot programme with Siemens Mobility and Cognassist expressed their enthusiasm about several potential benefits:
- Raising awareness and improving the workspace for neurodiverse colleagues.
- Gaining a deeper understanding of how team members and colleagues process information.
- Developing skills to identify and support individuals effectively.
- Learning from and applying life experiences to enhance team dynamics.
The Importance of Cognassist Neuro-inclusion Champions
According to Domonique Paginton, the role of a champion is invaluable, particularly in addressing the stigma that still exists around certain issues. Employees may not always feel comfortable opening up to their managers, so having a designated champion provides a confidential and safe space for open and honest conversations. This opportunity empowers individuals, knowing they have a trusted person to confide in and seek support from, fostering a more inclusive and supportive workplace environment.
'At Siemens, we are fortunate to have a wealth of in-house expertise. However, we also recognise the value of external training when necessary to enhance our capabilities. Our primary focus is on the return on investment for our people, not just in financial terms, but in creating a supportive and engaging work environment. From a business perspective, this approach results in fewer sick days, lower turnover rates, and a reputation as an employer of choice. Recruitment and employee replacement are costly, so our goal is to ensure employees feel valued and supported, reducing the likelihood of absenteeism and resignations. Statistics show that neurodiverse individuals face higher unemployment rates and challenges in maintaining employment. At Siemens, we aim to be a company where people want to work and stay. We've implemented various initiatives, such as celebrations and employee resource groups (ERGs), but moving forward, the Cognassist solution is crucial. Our senior leadership team is already engaged, and we will extend this training to all managers, who can then share their knowledge with their teams, spreading our inclusive culture quickly and effectively.'
Domonique Paginton
Commodity Manager and Neuro-inclusion Champion
Let's start a conversation
Find out how we can support your employee journey and upskill talent with our neurodiversity platform backed by cognitive science.