One in Three Neurodivergent Workers Feel Their Employer Does Not Cater to Their Needs at Events

• 89% of neurodivergent workers believe wellbeing provision should be a top priority at workplace events

• Majority (72%) of neurodivergent workers find work events in natural or outdoor locations more appealing than inner-city venues

• 94% of neurodivergent employees find work events positively impact their everyday job

New research from Center Parcs Conferences & Events released to mark Neurodiversity Celebration Week (16-20 March), shows that the appetite for work events among neurodivergent employees is strong and growing, with almost half (42%) stating the number of events they attend has increased over the last three years. However, almost one in three (30%) say their employer doesn’t cater to their needs at events.

Julia Green, Head of Corporate Events at Center Parcs Conferences & Events, says: “Our research indicates a positive shift in awareness for differing employee needs based on increased attendance from neurodivergent employees in the past few years. Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a timely reminder for organisers to reflect on whether their events, communication, and workplace culture genuinely make everyone feel welcome and included, as we know from our research that an overwhelming majority (94%) say attending work events positively impact how they feel about their everyday job, contributing to a more engaged, confident, motivated and connected workforce.”

How, if in any way at all, do work events positively impact how you feel about your everyday job? [Select all that apply]

They help me build stronger relationships with colleagues I don’t usually work closely with	40%
They help me improve my collaboration with colleagues	37%
They make me more engaged with my work	34%
They reduce stress or improve my wellbeing	34%
They make me more informed about my organisation/industry	33%
They make me more motivated at work	30%
They make me more confident in my role / ability	26%
They help me make new friends	24%
They increase my trust in leadership or management	24%
They give me a greater sense of loyalty to my organisation	21%
No position impact / Not sure	6%

Source: Question 17 of Center Parcs’ Conferences & Events Work Survey (2026)

Neurodivergent and disabled workers feel less safe at work events

According to Center Parcs Conference & Events’ research, over one in 10 (11%) of neurodivergent workers that reported to have a disability generally feel unsafe at work events.

Looking closer at what matters most to neurodivergent workers, almost half (47%) rank “feeling safe and comfortable” as a top feature of a great work event, while 40% of those with a disability cite “accessibility and inclusivity”, compared with just 20% of their non-neurodivergent peers.

Against this backdrop, the most commonly attended workplace events among neurodivergent employees are Summer and Christmas parties (59%), training days (55%) and team building or company away-days (43%). The findings suggest that events centred around structured learning, shared experiences and opportunities to connect with colleagues are the most prevalent, highlighting the importance of designing these environments so neurodivergent employees feel safe, comfortable and able to participate fully.

Event Type	Neurodivergent
Summer / Christmas parties	59%
Training days	55%
Team building / company away-days	43%
Conferences / seminars	37%
External / networking events	22%
Industry awards	18%
Galas and dinners	17%
Incentive travel	8%
Product launches	8%

Source: Question 4 of Center Parcs’ Conferences & Events Work Survey (2026)

Neurodivergent Employees Value Nature-Based Events

The research also highlights natural environments as a particularly valuable setting for work events for neurodivergent employees. The majority (72%) say they find events held outdoors or in natural settings more appealing and almost one in five (19%) selected “natural or outdoor environment” as one of the most important features of an event.

“Nature has a uniquely calming effect. When you step away from a traditional, stuffy conference room and into a natural setting, it can ease many of the sensory and social pressures that make typical corporate events feel overwhelming,” added Julia. “For neurodivergent attendees in particular, that change in environment can be transformative, allowing everyone to take part and enjoy the event comfortably as their authentic selves. This is reflected in our research, which shows just how important wellbeing is for neurodivergent employees with a large majority (89%) saying it should be a central part of workplace events, highlighting that supportive and inclusive experiences truly make a difference.”

As organisations work to build more inclusive cultures, the events they host represent powerful – but often overlooked – touchpoints. Getting it right means ensuring invitations reach everyone, designing experiences with safety and comfort in mind, and choosing settings that naturally support a wider range of needs.

The Brain Charity, a leading UK organisation that specialises in neurodiversity in the workplace, highlights the importance of this approach on its website: “Creating inclusive workplaces isn’t just about compliance, it’s about recognising and celebrating the diversity of human brains. Successful inclusive environments create distinct zones serving different neurological needs from quiet, controlled focus zones to movement spaces that support energy regulation. When we provide people with control over their environment, we enable them to perform at their best.”

For more information on the types of events and conferences Center Parcs offers, visit: https://events.centerparcs.co.uk/

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Note to editors:
This survey was conducted by Mortar in January 2026 among 2,000 employed adults in the UK.

For further press information, please contact:
Yasmine Triana| Annie Hopson | Theo Duerden
Rooster.
T: +44 (0)203 440 8930
E: CenterParcs@Rooster.co.uk
W: rooster.co.uk

About Center Parcs Conferences & Events:
Center Parcs Conferences & Events offers a unique, nature-rich escape to suit the needs of all types of corporate events, including conferences, team building and away days, product launches and galas.

Its two high-quality dedicated conference centres are located at two of its sought-after short break destinations in the UK: Woburn Forest in Bedfordshire and Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire.

Each set within hundreds of acres of woodland, Center Parcs is the ideal place for colleagues to reconnect and recharge.

You can follow Center Parcs Conferences & Events on its social media pages here: centerparcs_events and Center Parcs Conferences & Events

For more information visit: https://events.centerparcs.co.uk/