Over the past decade, we’ve learned to effectively welcome exceptional candidates through the Neurodiversity Program, empower managers, and drive business impact. We have hired a wide variety of positions, spanning early-career engineers in AI, Azure, Windows, and Xbox, as well as corporate positions in finance, customer support, and marketing. Besides recruiting top talent, the Neurodiversity Program also provides manager training in effective coaching skills, thereby enhancing people management practices across the organization. The program has been so successful that in 2024 we expanded to our Data Centers, offering employment opportunities in communities across the U.S. for roles such as Data Center Technicians and Critical Environment Technicians.
This isn’t just relevant for tech companies; nearly every business today is embracing AI, and to keep up, you need divergent thinkers. The Neurodiversity @ Work Employer Roundtable, that Microsoft co-founded with EY, SAP, and JP Morgan Chase, includes over 50 employers across 10 industries, who share best practices and extend their learnings to the broader employer community. Neurodivergent employees bring unique strengths, and this program has benefited our hiring practices across the board, making our workforce stronger and more resilient.
Video: Neurodiversity in the AI-powered workplace.
Looking ahead, we will continue to leverage insights from our Neurodiversity Program to drive meaningful organizational change. In today’s era of AI, divergent thinkers are crucial for driving innovation and maintaining a competitive edge. By fostering an environment where neurodiverse talent can thrive, we optimize our workforce and build a more dynamic organization.
