This year, we’ve been actively developing MIND-at-Basware – an employee-led group focused on neurodiversity. MIND stands for Maximizing Inclusion for Neurodivergent Development, and it’s being built to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and spark open, honest conversations about how we all think, work, and thrive differently.

Through resource hubs, toolkits, forums and shared learning moments, MIND-at-Basware is helping us build a culture where empathy and inclusion aren’t just ideas – they’re everyday actions.

And at the heart of that is one powerful idea: allyship.

Being an ally to neurodivergent colleagues

Being a good ally isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being present. It’s about noticing, asking, learning, and speaking up – not for others, but with them. It’s about making everyday moments feel safer, more respectful, and more human.

I asked a few of colleagues to reflect on one simple question:

“What does being a good ally mean to you, especially when it comes to neurodiversity?”

Here’s what they shared: honest, thoughtful, and hopeful perspectives from both neurodivergent and neurotypical minds.

“I feel very passionate about being an ally within Basware promoting inclusiveness, fairness, and equality in general but even more so for marginalized groups. I feel privileged that I am in a position where I can use my voice to amplify underrepresented voices, support positive change and ensure action is taken to build a better aligned inclusive culture for all Baswareans.” – Jane

At the moment I’m still learning. My son has been diagnosed with Autism, we suspect my father had it but as he’s passed away, we’ll never know for sure, and I myself am going through a ridiculously long wait after a referral for my own assessment. To be an ally for my son I am finding that being patient with his understanding is paramount, he is very one dimensional in his viewpoint and nuance and subtlety are lost on him. His mind is very literal and if the instruction is not clear he will deliver short of the expectation, not because he is unintelligent but because the instruction was not precise. – Dave

Being a true ally means standing with those who can’t speak for themselves—and never giving up on them. My eldest son was diagnosed with autism, dyslexia and dyscalculia as a child. Since then, my wife and I have worked with neurodiversity charities helping them to raise awareness of the unlevel playing field neurodiverse children face in our educational system. The goal was to level the playing field. To raise awareness so it’s recognized and addressed. That not all people learn the same way or have the same opportunities during exams. I strive to bring these personal experiences into my work, helping to create an environment that is understanding, supportive, and informed about the needs of all our people. – John

Being an ally means promoting inclusion in the workplace and even more broadly in the societies we are part of. Inclusion starts with awareness and an inclusive mindset, but it also requires tangible actions. Our MIND-ERG plays a critical role in identifying actions that will make Basware a better workplace for anybody who identifies as neurodivergent, and in the end for all Baswareans. As an ally, especially in my role as an HR leader, I commit to support change where it’s needed, remove roadblocks and make things happen – big or small.

I also think that being an ally of the ERG is a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the beautifully diverse ways our human mind operates – a personal learning opportunity broadening my perspective and enriching my understanding of the world.
– Elisabeth

Whether you’re just starting your neurodiversity knowledge journey or it’s something you’ve lived with or supported for years, one thing is true: We all play a role in creating a more inclusive, more human workplace.

And sometimes, being a good ally isn’t about having all the answers – it’s about being willing to stand alongside others as we find them together.

We hope these reflections inspire you to do just that.