July Newsletter from Operate Well

"Freedom to Thrive”, Offerings, July Holidays

Freedom to Thrive:

I believe one of the best things managers can do for neurodivergent employees is give them the space they need to do their best. Yes, all employees, including those who identify as neurodivergent, need direction, structure, and a shared understanding of the job at hand. And also, considering the stereotypical office space: in-person cubicles, fluorescent lights, and a water cooler as the only relief, are we really providing employees the freedom they need to thrive? And that’s just a physical example.

My experience before and after the pandemic

I was one of the millions of employees who went remote during the pandemic, and I found it incredibly liberating.

Not because I stopped doing my job, but because I got to do it in a way that was easier for me.

Much of my life has involved learning strategies to manage my energy, mood, and motivation so I can show up in the world in ways that are socially acceptable, constructive, and beneficial. And the way I show up to work is no different. In office spaces, I always tried to sneak in my self-care - a quick lunchtime walk to lift the energy. A short nap in the car after a long meeting in overdrive, anticipating every question and concern of my audience.

Suddenly, with the option to work from home, I had more of the freedom I needed in order to do my best work. To lie on my bed and decompress between high-pressure meetings, sit outside in a different setting to boost dopamine for focus, and so on.

The irony of my pandemic work environment was that, when I wasn’t closely supervised, I was actually able to do my best work, show up more fully present to meetings, and generally be more satisfied with my job. And so it is for many employees, in all our diversity – when we have options for how we do our work, we are much more likely to succeed.

Considerations for your workplace

So, whether you or your employees work remotely, in person, or hybrid, I invite you to consider:

• What are some workplace norms that are actually holding some employees back?
• What are some ways that, as a manager, you can offer more flexibility so that your employees can do their best work?

To reiterate, allowing workplace flexibility does not circumvent the need for workplaces to have some level of structure, clarity, and support.

But it does mean removing unnecessary barriers. It does mean understanding that what is standard is not always good and may actually be making work harder for some.

July Holidays and Events

Disability Pride Month: A global celebration of the disability community and their achievements. Congratulations to SLO County for submittal of a "resolution proclaiming July 2026 as Disability Pride Month in the County of San Luis Obispo to commemorate the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, celebrate disability identity and community, and reaffirm the County’s commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and full participation in everyday life.” !!!
July 14 - International Nonbinary People's Day: Celebrates non-binary individuals and raises awareness about issues affecting the non-binary community.
July 18 - World Listening Day
July 20 - ‘Disabilities 101: Access, Awareness, and Community' - a free event put on by the Diversity Coalition SLO - stop by the Operate Well table to say hi!
July 26 - National Disability Independence Day: Marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) being signed into law in 1990.

Ways to Work With Me (What I’m Promoting):

I am happy to offer the following services for businesses (both local and remote) this summer.

• Consulting with mid-sized businesses. I am currently looking for two local companies to connect with. Any personal introductions would be most appreciated.
• One-on-one Work Coaching- Individual support for those who identify as neurodivergent and are navigating challenges in the workplace or job market. Takes a client-led approach, focusing on their goals and desires, and is informed by my familiarity with organizational systems and strategies.
• Speaking to groups - I just spoke with the HR Central Coast about Neurodiversity in the workplace: What It Is and What HR Professionals Can Do to Promote It.
  • You can hear me present on July 14th, bright and early (7:15 AM) at IHOP in SLO with Kiwanis. Thanks to Lauren and Cindy for this connection!
  • If your group is looking for speakers, I’d love to connect. Topics include: Practical steps for manager training, inclusive hiring, and more.

Lastly, if you’re ready to discuss your organization’s needs around neuroinclusion, I’d love to chat too (link below)!

Sincerely,
Marissa Mosunich
www.operatewell.com
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