Embracing neurodiversity in hospitality: Celebrating unique minds at M&B

Welcome to Neurodiversity Celebration Week! 

At M&B, we know that our strength comes from our differences — and that means recognising, valuing, and respecting what makes each of us unique. 

This week, we’re celebrating the amazing contributions of our neurodiverse colleagues and looking at how we can make M&B an even more inclusive and supportive place to work.

That’s exactly why we’ve created the M&Be Unique group — a space where we can all come together, share what makes us unique, and work on making things better for everyone. 

Why neurodiversity matters

Neurodiversity refers to the natural variations in the human brain — from how we think and learn to how we interact with the world. This includes autism, ADHD and dyslexia to name a few. 

Embracing neurodiversity means recognising these differences, valuing them, and making sure everyone feels supported and able to thrive.

How our teams are championing neurodiversity

We asked some of our amazing colleagues to share their experiences and insights on neurodiversity. Here's what they had to say:

Liam, Area Manager

Liam joined the M&Be Unique group because of an autism diagnosis with his children. He’s passionate about creating a pathway for them and others like them to thrive in the workplace. Liam believes that raising awareness can help to foster empathy and curiosity among employees. His goal is to ensure that M&B is a place where everyone feels included and valued. 

Jane, Area Manager

Jane has ADHD and has often hidden it due to fear of stigma. However, this year she has decided to approach things differently, “I realised this year how frustrated I was by the lack of representation but I myself was accentuating this issue. So, I decided I would share more openly and try and help create a more open culture and visibility of neurodiversity”. Jane also highlights the importance of understanding the unique needs of neurodiverse individuals, such as the need for downtime during social events.

Lou, HR Team Leader 

Lou is a parent of a neurodiverse child and understands the challenges that come with it. She believes that understanding is key to supporting neurodiverse individuals. “I have had great support from my manager and the team around me which means so much, especially on the really hard days. This is our life and I'm proud of my daughter every day, of the little steps she takes to get stronger, to challenge herself, to understand who she is and just how fabulous she is! Everyone is different, and everyone can achieve their dreams or aspirations if they are given the opportunity to do so”, explains Lou. She’s proud of the progress M&B has made and is committed to continuing this journey.

Carly, Recruitment Manager

Carly’s family has a history of autism and ADHD, making inclusivity a personal cause for her. She works with employability partners such as Reed in Partnership, Fedcap and Maximus, to remove barriers to entry and raise awareness about unconscious bias. Carly believes that storytelling and senior management leading the agenda are crucial for creating an inclusive culture.

Jason, Support Team Leader

Jason, who thinks and operates differently, joined the M&Be Unique group out of curiosity. He believes in the importance of open conversations and understanding individual needs. Jason has found great satisfaction in helping others discover their strengths and feels that more support for those seeking a diagnosis would be beneficial.

Callum, Apprentice

Callum was diagnosed with high-functioning autism in 2012. His journey has been filled with unique experiences that have shaped who he is today. Callum suggests creating neurodiversity courses to increase awareness and understanding within the business. He believes that this will lead to better communication and productivity, benefiting both employees and guests.

Creating an inclusive workplace

At M&B, we’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and included. Here are some ways we’re working towards this goal:

• Training and Awareness: Providing training for line managers and employees to understand neurodiversity and how to support neurodiverse colleagues.
• Open Dialogue: Encouraging open conversations about neurodiversity and mental health to remove stigma and foster understanding.
• Supportive Environment: Creating a supportive environment with flexible policies and accommodations to meet the unique needs of neurodiverse individuals.
• Celebrating Differences: Recognising and celebrating the unique strengths and contributions of every employee.

Join us in celebrating neurodiversity

We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, but we know there’s always more to do. This Neurodiversity Celebration Week, let’s continue to learn, grow, and support each other. 

At M&B, our values of respect, inclusion, and individuality are at the heart of celebrating neurodiversity and creating a workplace where everyone can thrive.

Learn more about how we are striving to create a diverse and inclusive workplace.