Since its launch in 2018, the Springer Nature Disability & Neurodiversity employee network (SN D&N) has helped build a more inclusive and equitable workplace for disabled and neurodivergent colleagues across the globe by building community, educating about disability and neurodiversity, shaping workplace practices, and supporting non-profit organisations. To foster community, the network runs a Teams channel with nearly 300 participants, which has tripled from 2024 to 2026 due to internal awareness-building and network activity. The channel provides a safe space to share resources and experiences, with two dedicated sub-channels for ADHD/ASD and chronic conditions with multiple comorbidities. Monthly virtual open houses, designed to support colleagues across time zones, give employees opportunities to seek support, share ideas, and build belonging with peers who may have similar experiences. SN D&N also has 15 regional international chapter leads beyond London who run local events and initiatives, including creating a calm room in the London office and external speaker sessions on workplace inclusion in Portugal and Spain. Each year, SN D&N delivers company-wide education on accessibility and disability inclusion. Most recently, these sessions included a virtual conversation on accessibility and ADHD with Rebecca Cooney, Chief Editor of Nature Mental Health, and “Building Empathy through Accessibility,” a company-wide event focused on disability inclusion, neurodiversity, and cognitive accessibility in digital education. UK chapter leaders also published intranet blogs to inform and engage disabled and neurodivergent colleagues, as well as allies. SN D&N has also played a key role in shaping workplace practice. In partnership with Springer Nature’s DEI Team, members co-developed mandatory training for all people managers on disability and neurodiversity inclusion, including how to support colleagues and enable access to workplace accommodations. Employee network members contributed personal perspectives and workplace experiences, making the training practical, authentic, and grounded in lived experience. Over 2,000 colleagues completed the training, which achieved a 97% satisfaction rate and is now available to all colleagues, not only people managers. It also won the Judges’ Special Award in Springer Nature’s employee innovation tournament and was shortlisted for a 2025 Sustainable Development Goal Impact Award. The training launched alongside Springer Nature’s global Reasonable Workplace Adjustment Framework Policy in April 2025, following sustained policy advocacy, leadership and collaboration from SN D&N. Network members, led by the UK chapter leadership, worked alongside Human Resources and the DEI Team to co-design, project manage, implement, and monitor the policy. The framework creates a consistent global process for colleagues to request the adjustments they need to thrive at work, supporting a workforce of 9,000 colleagues worldwide. Since launch, the rate of reasonable adjustment requests has increased, with an average completion time of three weeks. To support implementation, SN D&N leaders engaged senior leaders, hosted virtual and in-person drop-in sessions across time zones, answered policy questions, and continue to provide long-term guidance on accommodation processes. Network leaders also presented SN D&N’s strategic goals to the Springer Nature Executive Board and shared recommendations on how leadership can support the policy’s success. The policy won a Springer Nature 2025 SDG Impact Award, recognising its tangible contribution to a more inclusive workplace. Furthermore, the network is actively exploring opportunities to fund British Sign Language (BSL) training for colleagues, reinforcing its commitment to creating a more inclusive and accessible workplace. We are also exploring how to launch a series of round-table discussions to try to support career development and progression for colleagues within these communities. Externally, SN D&N supports organisations that share its mission. In 2025, the network facilitated a €10,000 donation from Springer Nature to Sense, a UK charity supporting deafblind people and other disabled people with complex needs. Springer Nature is also a member of PurpleSpace, a professional development community for disability and neurodiversity networks, helping members strengthen their advocacy, leadership, and communication skills. Through community-building, education, policy influence, and external engagement, SN D&N has delivered meaningful progress toward equity, accessibility, and belonging across Springer Nature and beyond.
Springer Nature Disability & Neurodiversity employee network (SN D&N)
