Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1517430
4 NEWS 14.3.2024 90% of employees who are neurodi- vergent will never disclose the fact that they are neurodivergent for fear of stigma, abusive bullying, past expe- riences or threats of career damage. In Malta, lack of support towards neurodivergent employees has led to an annual absenteeism cost to Maltese businesses of between €19 to €24 mil- lion. MISCO is launching a collaboration with several mental health NGOs, most notably ADHD Malta and Prisms Malta, to curate a series of events for Neurodiversity Week 2024. Themed 'The Lived Experiences' this pioneering celebration aims to provide a platform for neurodivergent voices, fostering understanding, inclusion, and diversity in the workplace. "The Neurodiversity Week initia- tive marks a significant step towards a more inclusive professional world for neurodivergent persons. But the first important step in tackling neu- rodivergence is to understand what the term means," said Andrew Zam- mit Manduca, misco's Neurodiversity Consultant and Inclusion Specialist who is organising the event. Neurodivergence, albeit not falling under the medical umbrella, encom- passes individuals with variations in their mental functions and includes conditions like autism spectrum dis- order (ASD) and other neurological or developmental conditions such as at- tention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). "The aim of Neurodiversity Week 2024 is to acknowledge and value the unique contributions and possibilities that neurodivergent individuals can bring to the table and is an invitation to listen to the voices of those whose personal and professional journeys illuminate the path of neurodiversity in the workplace," Zammit Manduca said. 'Neurodiversity Week 2024 - The Lived Experiences' will be held be- tween the 18th and 22nd of March. The programme, compiled in con- sultation with various mental health NGOs will feature a series of webi- nars, seminars, workshops, and train- ing sessions designed around the actual needs and experiences of neu- rodivergent individuals. The event promises a strong lineup of neurodivergent speakers and allies from diverse sectors who will also share their personal stories and in- sights. The week's agenda of events will include a webinar and panel discus- sion to explore neurodiversity's value in the workplace, a seminar through which mental health professionals will gain insights on supporting neu- rodivergent clients, training sessions led by a neurodivergent professional on strategies to enhance the executive function of neurodivergent employ- ees and a workshop for HR managers on how to implement neuro inclusive policies to foster a more inclusive work environment. For more information about Neurodi- versity Week 2024 - The Lived Expe- riences' and registration, visit https:// miscomalta.ac-page.com/neurodiver- sity-week-2024 MISCO to dedicate whole week to neurodiversity HSBC Bank Malta has succtessfully concluded this prestigious annual event, this year featuring an enlight- ening presentation by HSBC Group Economist James Pomeroy. e event, held on 8th March was aimed at the bank's clients and focused on the "e Global Economy in 2024 and beyond". In a detailed discourse, James Po- meroy provided attendees with his valuable insights on the current state and future direction of the global economy. Pomeroy's analysis covered the critical factors affecting the world today, including trade dy- namics, inflation rates, and the tra- jectory of commodity prices. Reflecting on the visit, Pomeroy remarked, "Given the complex eco- nomic environment we find our- selves in, it's more important than ever to discuss and understand the long-term trends that are shaping our economies globally." Geoffrey Fichte, CEO of HSBC Malta, commented on the bank's continuous effort to empower clients with strategic economic knowledge: "Bringing James Pomeroy to Malta embodies our promise to keep our clients at the forefront of global eco- nomic thought. His expertise offers invaluable perspectives that help in navigating these turbulent times and identifying growth opportunities." Jesmond Apap, Head of Global Markets at HSBC Malta, noted the positive response to the event: "e insights shared by James resonate with our clients' needs to stay ahead in the market. Such events are inte- gral to reinforcing Malta's position in the global financial landscape." e visit furthermore facilitated individual meetings between James Pomeroy, HSBC executives, and key corporate clients, fostering a col- laborative environment for tailored economic strategies. HSBC Malta remains committed to providing platforms that contrib- ute to an informed and strategic cor- porate community, driving growth and innovation within Malta's econ- omy. HSBC Malta hosts exclusive business breakfast with group economist James Pomeroy Geoffrey Fichte (right), CEO of HSBC Malta introducing HSBC Group Economist James Pomeroy (left)