Unlocking Brilliance: How Neurodiversity Powers Innovation at P&G

At P&G, we make essential products that help improve everyday life for everyone. To better serve all consumers and their unique needs, we foster an environment inside P&G where every individual can contribute and thrive. This is reflected in our ongoing journey to build a Disability Confident workplace and in how we support our neurodivergent employees — valuing the different ways people think, work, and solve problems.

Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in how people think and process information, including conditions like autism, ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder), dyslexia, and dyspraxia. At P&G, we actively embrace these differences, recognizing that they bring valuable perspectives that help us better understand our consumers and drive stronger business outcomes.

Neurodivergent employees bring a wide range of strengths and ways of thinking. For some, this may include pattern recognition, deep focus, or creative problem-solving. Their unique perspectives help us uncover new insights, strengthen our innovation, and develop products that better serve people in their everyday lives. When our employees feel supported and able to do their best work, it leads to stronger engagement, improved retention, and a more dynamic organization.

Creating an environment where all employees can perform at their best helps unlock potential and fuels innovation across our business. The experiences of our neurodivergent colleagues offer a powerful example of how inclusive teams contribute to better outcomes for our consumers and our company.

Juan José Sibaja, Senior Scientist, Research & Development, Costa Rica

Juan brings a unique perspective to P&G's innovation efforts. He received an autism diagnosis at age 35, which shed new light on his past experiences and what it means to be truly supported in the workplace. He shares that being autistic allows him to approach problems with a distinct focus and analytical rigor, often seeing patterns and solutions that others might miss. This has been a meaningful asset in his role, contributing to new insights that help P&G develop superior products.

Juan's experience at P&G highlights the impact of a supportive and accommodating environment. He calls the P&G recruitment process a "flash course of getting-to-know-me as an autistic person," sharing, "applying has been the best decision of my life." Through interacting with autistic coworkers and supportive coaches, Juan learned to trust his abilities. "When I come to work, I don’t feel anxious, I feel happy…I see a future that I was not able to see before, and all it took was a company adjusting the hiring process so it could include us." His story is a powerful example of how fostering an inclusive culture, where neurodivergent individuals feel valued and understood, directly translates into enhanced creativity and innovation that ultimately benefits consumers worldwide.

Aysha Imiołek, Initiative Operations Leader, Poland

"I always had a feeling I'm not matching the environment, but a few years ago I got diagnosed as neurodivergent, and now it all makes sense!" shares Aysha. Her journey at P&G has been one of discovery and collaboration. After her diagnosis, Aysha and her manager worked together to find solutions, leading her to join P&G's Neurodiversity Employee Network. This experience was "awakening," connecting her with a supportive community and allowing her to become a trusted contact for others navigating similar paths. Her unique perspective directly informs her work as an Initiative Operations Leader, helping to streamline processes and foster more inclusive operational strategies.

Aysha highlights how practical supports — like a height-adjustable desk — can make a meaningful difference in how she manages energy and focus. She shares that neurodiversity is a "really big community" within P&G, where "different always means new and is where innovation starts." For Aysha, P&G's commitment to building a Disability Confident workplace means managers are constantly learning, and neurodivergent employees find the right contacts to make their lives easier, creating a "pure example of win-win!"

Chris Lidel, Researcher, Corporate Function Research & Development, U.S.

Chris, who is autistic and has ADHD, received his diagnosis at 38, helping him better understand his experiences over time. At P&G, he has found a workplace environment where he can be open about how he works best. Chris's ability to approach problems from a distinct perspective contributes to innovative research outcomes, helping P&G solve complex challenges in new ways. "P&G has been the best employer I’ve had as a neurodivergent person," Chris states, highlighting that P&G is open to learning his needs directly from him. His team and management tailor his work to his strengths, seeing his mind as an asset and ensuring he feels supported and safe.

Chris recalls a pivotal conversation with a leader who, upon understanding his needs around sensory input, became a champion for neurodivergent people, making adjustments to better support him. This moment helped build trust and allowed Chris to focus more fully on his work, leading him to later establish and lead P&G’s first Neurodivergent Employee Support Group, which has since grown into a global community.

Christina Cook, Digital Product Manager, Global Business Services IT, U.S.

"Being neurodivergent is not just part of who I am; it’s my superpower," shares Christina Cook. In her role across digital product management and IT, she brings her authentic self to work every day, driving both inclusion and innovation. Since joining P&G in June 2023, she's felt encouraged to share her experiences, which has built her own confidence, inspired others to embrace inclusivity, and fostered connections with colleagues. Her unique perspective is a key asset in her role, enabling her to identify solutions and drive more inclusive digital product development.

Christina credits her manager for creating a comfortable space to thrive and values her participation in the Global Neurodivergent Employee Support Group, where she connects with others and leads inclusive initiatives. She believes that growing P&G’s Disability Confident workplace is "vital for fostering innovation and creativity." By providing accessible accommodations and cultivating an inclusive environment, P&G ensures all employees have the support they need to contribute fully, leading to "innovative solutions that truly serve our consumers."

Paula Sewell, IT Professional, UK

Paula has been with P&G for seven years. She received her autism spectrum disorder diagnosis in 2019. Since then, she has become a strong advocate for herself and others. Now, she uses her experiences to help managers and colleagues understand the challenges neurodivergent people face, sharing her own strategies for success and helping others understand different ways of working.

Paula emphasizes the open and honest conversations she has with her team and managers, where "no question [is] off limits." She champions the importance of P&G growing its Disability Confident workplace, noting that people with disabilities make up nearly a fifth of the world's population's ideas and contributions. Paula brings a unique perspective to her team, allowing her to identify needs proactively and contribute to designing products and services that help consumers in their everyday lives, such as the UK's first audio-described advertisement for Fairy Liquid and the innovative Gillette Treo razor, specifically designed for caregivers.

The stories of Aysha, Chris, Christina, Juan, and Paula are just a few examples of the incredible talent and diverse perspectives that neurodivergent individuals bring to P&G every day. Their experiences reflect the impact of building a Disability Confident workplace — one where every employee feels valued, supported, and able to contribute in ways that work for them. By embracing their unique talents and strengths, we also fuel our innovation, deepen our understanding of consumers, and strengthen our company culture.

Want to learn more about P&G's commitment to accessibility and inclusion? Explore more inspiring stories on our website.