Future HR and AI and Future Work Spaces

Professor Amanda Kirby, CEO of Do-IT Solutions., Campaigner for Neurodiversity, Medic, Knowledge Translator, researcher.

Originally published as part of The Neurodiversity 101 LinkedIn Newsletter.

Back in 2023 I first wrote about AI /HR and EDI…. and it did seem the world of work was changing—and fast. 2 years on how much have we adapted to these new technologies, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in recruitment, and across the employment lifecycle?

I do believe there’s a critical opportunity to ensure that these changes work for everyone, including neurodivergent people and those sitting at the margins of society.

Everyday I am hearing about AI this and AI that… and it has become a ‘mystical conversation’. I think it is funny that the word prompt is based on Old French prompt or Latin promptus ‘brought to light’, also ‘prepared, ready’, past participle of promere ‘to produce’, from pro- ‘out, forth’ + emere ‘take’.

It does seem we are trying to find the light through understanding the keys to unlock the goodies..

I have been reading an excellent book by Richard Susskind demystifying some of the noise that is out there…How to Think About AI: A Guide for the Perplexed. What I like about it is that it is a non-technical book examining the history, current state, and potential future of AI.

A lot of discussion seems to be about how does AI work… and less on how we could use AI as a society to do greater good.This book distinguishes between “process-thinkers,” who focus on how AI works, and “outcome-thinkers,” who consider the societal impacts of AI. The author certainly opened up my eyes to discussing the possibilities of conscious machines, AI-enabled virtual worlds, and the impact of AI on human evolution.

I remain concerned we don’t end up with an even greater digital divide… in terms of those who can engage and those who are excluded from this new brave world…the other day I was standing next to someone in a shop and they said the person in front of me.. ” just scan your QR code”… you could have been speaking Martian to the person who had no clue and only a phone that looked like it was from the 1980s!

Chat-GPT is the AI tool most people have heard of, but Susskind argues that we are still at the early stages of AI development and that future technologies will have a more significant impact than current tools. He, as I am also, is keen to discuss calls for proactive engagement with AI’s ethical, legal, and societal implications to ensure that its advancement benefits humanity.

What does this mean now and in the future for neurodivergent individuals?

Executive functioning matters

Many jobs today place high demands on executive functioning—skills like planning, organising, managing time, and switching attention. For some neurodivergent people, these tasks can feel overwhelming, even when they are highly capable in other areas.

I can see this is where AI comes in asit can help reduce these barriers and build more neuroinclusive workplaces.

Some examples of areas it can help with:

• Reducing cognitive overload – Digital tools can schedule meetings, send reminders, summarise notes, and visualise workflows – how many of you use diaries and reminders now… they are my second brain!
• Improving communication – AI can translate text into plain language, visual formats, or audio, helping people process information in their preferred way. I have used them to rewrite an email in a different tone ( if I am angry about something and make it more conciliatory for example!)
• Making hiring fairer – AI can remove biased language from job ads and personalise the interview process to suit different communication styles – how often is there jargon or information using terms that some applicant won’t understand despite them having the skills for the job and you lose that person’s potential skills? *We also need to remain mindful of biases in the data we are sampling from… I spot mistakes daily …..
• Offering one-to-one support – Some AI-powered tools act like digital coaches, helping individuals manage energy, emotions, or tasks in real time – I really use these tools daily to ‘tidy up’ my busy brain! This can be potentially very helpful providing feedback that is live and personalised.

Looking ahead: skills for 2025

According to the World Economic Forum, the top skills needed for the future of work include analytical thinking, creativity, resilience, and emotional intelligence. Many neurodivergent individuals already have these strengths. But to unlock their potential, workplaces must be inclusive by design—and some of these technologies may be able to help.

Final thoughts

I still don’t think AI will replace humans, but it can support us to work more flexibly and equitably. Let’s use AI not just to innovate, but to include. However, we need to be aware that not everyone is tech savvy and for many neurodivergent people even identifying needs first and considering there are some solutions is still a first step….

However when we build with neurodiversity in mind, I do think we can create better environments for everyone. Universal design principles seem to be a reasonable focus…as long as sampling is representative in their making…

Blog Author

I am Amanda Kirby, CEO of Do-IT Solutions a tech-for-good company that delivers thought provoking consultancy and neuroinclusive guidance and training. We have developed cutting edge web-based screening tools that have helped 10s of 1000s of people. We strive to deliver person-centered solutions relating to neurodiversity and wellbeing.

I am a mixed bag of experiences and skills, an odd ball… and have 25+ years of working in the field of neurodiversity.

I am a medical doctor, Professor, and have a Ph.D. in the field of neurodiversity; parent and grandparent to neurodivergent wonderful kids and am neurodivergent myself.

Theo Smith and I wrote the UK award-winning book Neurodiversity at Work Drive Innovation, Performance, and Productivity with a Neurodiverse Workforce. My 10th book came out called Neurodiversity and Education in March this year. Excitingly, Theo and I have another book coming out next year!