Neurodiversity refers to the full range of differences in how brains function and how people think, a bit like biodiversity but applied to human cognition. It encompasses all cognitive profiles, including both widely represented and minority profiles often called “neuroatypical” or “neurodivergent.”
These profiles include people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), “DYS” disorders (dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, etc.), high intellectual potential (HPI), attention deficit disorder (ADHD), as well as obsessive–compulsive disorders (OCD). It is also common for one individual to have several of these neurodivergent traits. Each of these profiles bring a different perspective, with unique ways of thinking and interacting that, when acknowledged, can bring valuable strengths to the collective.
According to the US National Institute of Health’s estimates, neurodivergent people represent 15 to 20 % of the world’s population.
Despite this, neurodiversity remains a largely underused source of potential for companies. Yet cognitive diversity is a driver of performance. Companies that are more inclusive and that work to attract diverse talent record significantly higher productivity. According to OECD study summaries, these gains can represent up to 30 percent additional productivity.
Particularly in English-speaking countries, tech companies actively look for candidates with certain neurodivergent profiles, such as those on the autism spectrum, because of their strong memory and exceptional attention to detail, for example in programming or data work
In response to these challenges, the Group launched the Neuroteam program in April 2021, supported by our CSR and HR divisions. Its purpose is to make cognitive diversity an asset for social performance, workplace wellbeing and innovation. Over the past three years, we have led initiatives at several levels: facilitating collaboration between different profiles, reducing bias and stereotypes, opening up recruitment to new talent and strengthening our inclusive development of products and services.
On October 15, 2025, we took a significant new step with the launch of the Objective: Neuroinclusion collective. We created this group with several major companies including Capgemini, Carrefour, FDJ United, L’Oréal, Schneider Electric, Siemens and Thales. Together, we work to make neuroinclusion a natural part of economic life and a standard in the workplace.
Following the launch round table, one of the first upcoming deliverables will be a compendium of best practices, a collaborative tool designed to help companies adapt their management, recruitment and working conditions for neurominorities.
Our commitment to neurodiversity is part of Orange’s wider corporate social responsibility (CSR) approach. We address inclusion holistically and seek to go beyond internal performance metrics to contribute to lasting change in society.
At Orange, we recognize that different dimensions of inclusion often intersect – for example when someone is both neuroatypical, a woman, from a minority background or living with a disability – and so we act on several fronts:
We aim for 25 percent women in technical roles by 2025 (compared with 21% at present). Through our international Hello Women program, we raise awareness, recruit, train and support women in science and tech careers. We also promote inclusive, stereotype-free internal communication.
As part of our diversity and inclusion approach, we have supported Bridge Africa’s National Diaspora Days for more than 12 years. We also collaborate with associations avec des associations committed to equal opportunities such as Capital Filles, which supports young women in preparing for careers in science, or Article 1, which provides mentorship for young people from low-income backgrounds.
We diversify our recruitment pathways through university partnerships, apprenticeship programs (including through our training center) and internal training to welcome a wide range of profiles into all our businesses.
We take a 360° approach, detailed in our 2025 Disability, Neurodiversity and Accessibility Report. We are also members of the International Labor Organization (ILO) network of companies committed to improving economic inclusion for people with disabilities. The Orange Foundation has supported autism initiatives for more than 30 years, has backed more than 2,350 projects in Europe and Africa and helps promote autonomy for people with disabilities through digital tools.
Large companies have the power – and the responsibility – to shift mindsets. The launch of the Objective: Neuroinclusion collective is further proof of this. We aim to make neurodiversity a true source of innovation, agility and cohesion in the professional world.
