Driving Neurodiversity Awareness and Education at MongoDB

Roughly 20% of the US population is neurodiverse, which means that you likely work with a colleague who learns and navigates the workplace (and the world) differently than you do. Which is a good thing! Studies have shown that hiring neurodiverse individuals benefits workplaces, with Deloitte noting that organizations "can gain a competitive edge from increased diversity in skills, ways of thinking, and approaches to problem-solving."

Config at MongoDB-which Cian and I are the global leaders of-recognizes the prevalence, importance, and power of neurodiversity in the workplace. Config's mission is to educate both our members and the wider employee population at MongoDB about neurodiversity in the workplace, and through education to empower them to embrace-and champion-neurodiversity.

Since it was founded in April 2023, Config's membership has grown by over 150%, and it now has members in New York, Dublin, Paris, Gurugram, and Sydney. In fact, more than 200 people who span a range of MongoDB teams-from Engineering and Product, to the People team, to Marketing-take part in Config.

We like to say that no one succeeds until all of us succeed. And that no one belongs until all of us belong. As managers, culture leaders, and as people, it's our responsibility to do whatever we can to make that true. Invisible differences like neurodiversity are hard to spot, but they enrich our work and our lives. Config.MDB plays an important role in helping us achieve this ambition.

Making an impact on the MongoDB community

Over the last year and a half, Config has held over fifteen events globally-with almost 1,000 employees in attendance. Config has held educational events for both the group's members and the wider MongoDB audience on neurodiversity-related topics like autism awareness and ADHD awareness, along with events tailored to allies and members who identify as neurodivergent or who are part of a neurodivergent family.

Config has also held training sessions for MongoDB people managers that provide them knowledge and tools to better manage neurodiverse team members. Ger Hartnett, an Engineering Lead at MongoDB said the training "gave me a much better understanding and appreciation for neurodiversity. This course was truly eye-opening for me. I learned practical ways to be more inclusive and supportive, both at work and in everyday life."

The group also holds quarterly virtual meetings to share the latest updates, personal experiences, and practical tips for members, focusing on career development, benefit entitlements, and events happening within MongoDB.

Outside of events and training sessions, Config has had a broader business impact on the company, with some Config leads partnering with the employee inclusion and recruiting teams to put together an interview accommodation program. This program supports candidates who are neurodiverse or have a disability by allowing them to apply for special requests to make their interview experience more inclusive and enjoyable.

Making a difference for individual members

Config's focus on educational and training events has had a dramatic and direct impact on members. The group is a safe space for neurodiverse or disabled people to share their experiences and seek advice on various issues. Cian is one of Config's founding members, and had this to say about his personal experience:

I was diagnosed with dyslexia in college and wanted to start a group like Config after speaking with other employees who were neurodiverse. We agreed that there was a need for a group like this at MongoDB. After the group was formed, I attended several events that focused on ADHD and saw a lot of similarities between traits and experiences of those with ADHD and myself. After attending these events, struggles that I had and that I thought were personality traits could be a sign of ADHD, I turned to some of our members for guidance on how to seek a diagnosis. Earlier this year, I was diagnosed with ADHD by a medical professional. I have noticed an improvement in my quality of life, and thanks to Config, I have a lot of valuable tips and resources to help me in my day-to-day. Had it not been for Config and these events I would still be none the wiser.

Config has also made an impact on employees who are parents of neurodivergent children, like Sarah Lin, a senior information/content architect and Config member:

I joined Config to be part of the change I want to see in the world-to help make the inclusive and supportive workplace I'd want my autistic daughter to experience. I certainly hope I'm contributing because membership has benefitted me personally. I've learned more about different types of neurodivergence and ways to support my colleagues. From our employee resource group events, I've learned more about autism and the lives of autistic adults so that I can be a better support for my daughter as we look toward her adulthood. The best part has been conversations with other parents and seeing myself reflected in their struggles, persistence, and achievements.

Looking ahead

As Config continues to expand its footprint within MongoDB, the group plans to introduce advanced educational programming to raise awareness for neurodiversity in the workplace. It also plans to hold workshops to foster professional development and executive functioning. Config also hopes to grow its global membership to provide community outreach at scale for nonprofit organizations that specifically service neurodiverse individuals.

Ultimately, Config's aim is to create the best environment for teams at MongoDB. Our view of success is not only the "what" but also the "how." Being sustainable, encouraging growth through learning, and accomplishing goals as a team are all meaningful to us.

And we believe strongly in the power of allyship; we want MongoDB to be a place where amazing people feel supported and are given the opportunity to do their best. After all, many of us are already close to neurodivergent individuals. One of Config's Executive Sponsors, Mick Graham, has a daughter who is neurodivergent-which he says gives him extra inspiration to support Config now and in the future.

Overall, being part of Config has raised our understanding of how neurodivergent people navigate the world. And the group-and the inspirations and experiences members have shared-contribute to making MongoDB a place that great people want to be.

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