04/26/2026
SAP launched its Autism at Work programme in 2013 with a simple premise: stop filtering out autistic talent through neurotypical hiring processes.
Instead of interviews, candidates complete job-related task trials. Managers receive explicit communication training. Offices have sensory-friendly quiet rooms. The results are documented: a 90% retention rate across more than 240 autistic employees in 16 countries.
The data has been noticed. Microsoft, JP Morgan, and EY have all launched similar initiatives. Each cites SAP’s programme as proof the model works at scale.
The unemployment rate for autistic adults remains around 85%. SAP’s programme doesn’t fix that alone — but ten years of evidence shows the problem is the hiring process, not the people.
📰 Source: Amazing Workplaces / SAP News