Exploring autistic employment and retention realities: A qualitative study among 12 Dutch organizations

Abstract

This study explored positive features and challenges in the employment and retention of autistic individuals within 12 Dutch organizations, focusing primarily on the perspectives of employers. Sixteen participants from 12 Dutch organizations were interviewed. Four researchers were involved in a thematic analysis, which revealed five themes and 13 sub-themes. The study identified five main themes around which positive features and challenges revolved: (1) employers’ primary motivations for hiring autistic individuals, (2) consideration of the needs of all employees, including those who are autistic, (3) employers’ perceptions of autistic employees, (4) the adoption of a learning-oriented mindset by employers, and (5) the alignment of human resource development practices with diversity and inclusion policies. Our findings suggest that beneficial organizational characteristics for the employment and retention of autistic individuals include valuing the skills of autistic employees, fostering an understanding of autism devoid of stereotypes and stigmatization, and taking the needs of all employees into account based on personal experiences employers have with employees. Conversely, organizations that primarily hire to fulfil diversity quotas or meet objectives set in diversity and inclusion policies without promoting destigmatizing conditions risk adversely affecting the employment and retention of autistic individuals.