Can workplace wellbeing budgets be used for coaching?

Yes. Many companies use their wellbeing or learning and development budgets to fund 1:1 coaching or group support for employees, particularly when addressing neurodiversity, stress, or executive functioning challenges.

Is coaching a reasonable adjustment for ADHD or Autism?

Yes. Coaching and workplace strategy sessions are increasingly recognised as effective reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010, especially for employees with ADHD, Autism, or executive functioning difficulties.

Can coaching be funded by Access to Work?

Yes. Access to Work can fund workplace coaching and strategy sessions for eligible employees. This support helps neurodivergent staff manage workload, communication, focus, and emotional regulation.

How can employers better support neurodivergent staff?

Employers can support neurodivergent employees by offering 1:1 coaching, peer support groups, and inclusive training for managers. These strategies reduce stress and absence while boosting engagement and performance.

What is ADHD coaching?

ADHD coaching provides practical support, tools, and accountability to help manage executive functioning, emotional regulation, and daily challenges — especially for late-diagnosed adults.

Do I need a diagnosis to work with you?

No. I work with diagnosed, self-identified, and questioning clients. If you relate to the challenges, you’re welcome here.

What’s the difference between therapy and coaching?

Therapy focuses on healing and mental health. Coaching focuses on goals, action, and sustainable change. I work alongside therapy, not instead of it.

What is ADHD coaching?

ADHD coaching offers structured, practical support to help you manage executive functioning, emotional regulation, and life’s daily demands. It’s focused on action, not just awareness — helping you build systems that work with your brain.

Do I need a formal diagnosis to work with you?

No diagnosis needed. I work with diagnosed, self-identified, and questioning clients. If you're neurodivergent — or think you might be — you're welcome here.

What’s the difference between coaching and therapy?

Therapy often looks to the past to heal. Coaching helps you look ahead — supporting motivation, boundaries, planning, and burnout recovery. Coaching can complement therapy, but it isn’t a replacement.

Who do you work with?

I specialise in supporting neurodivergent adults — especially parents, professionals, and business owners — who feel overwhelmed or stuck. If you're juggling too much and need sustainable support, I can help.

What happens in a discovery call?

It’s a free 45-minute session to explore what’s not working and where you need support. No pressure, no sales tactics — just a chance to see if coaching feels right for you.

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Making the Most of Your Workplace Wellbeing Budget: Support That Actually Works for Neurodivergent Staff

Sarah Hardy
Jul 3
2 min read

Workplace wellbeing budgets have become a staple in modern organisations and for good reason. Used well, they can reduce absence, improve engagement, and help you retain your best people.

But here’s the catch: many employers spend thousands on wellbeing initiatives that don’t address the needs of their staff who struggle most.

If you’re in HR, a People Manager, or responsible for L&D, you may have wondered:

“What actually makes a difference, especially for employees with ADHD, Autism, or executive functioning challenges?”

Let’s break it down.

Why Traditional Wellbeing Perks Fall Short

Wellbeing initiatives are often designed for the average employee.Meditation apps, yoga classes, discounted gym memberships, occasional wellbeing days — these are all nice-to-haves.

But if you’re neurodivergent, they don’t even scratch the surface of what you need to thrive at work.

Neurodivergent employees face daily challenges that can’t be solved with a mindfulness app:

Overwhelm from task-switching and constant distractions
Difficulty prioritising and managing time
Struggles with organisation, deadlines, and emotional regulation
The exhaustion of masking and trying to “fit in”

These challenges can lead to burnout, reduced productivity, and, in some cases, talented people quietly leaving because they never felt properly supported.

What Does Work?

You don’t need to double your budget to make a real difference, you just need to spend it differently.This is where targeted, tailored support comes in.

At Sarah Hardy Coaching & Business Support, we help employers use their workplace wellbeing or training budgets more strategically, providing evidence-based support that genuinely helps neurodivergent staff.

We offer:

🎯 1:1 Workplace Coaching

Confidential, personalised sessions designed to help employees build practical strategies to manage executive functioning, stress, and boundaries, while working with their natural strengths.

🎯 Group Coaching

Creating safe spaces for neurodivergent staff to connect with peers, reduce isolation, and share tools and strategies that actually work in the real world.

🎯 Training for Managers & Teams

Helping leaders better understand neurodivergence, communicate inclusively, and provide reasonable adjustments that support productivity and wellbeing.

Is This a Reasonable Use of a Wellbeing Budget?

Absolutely.

✔️ Workplace coaching and training qualify as reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010

✔️ Aligns with wellbeing, inclusion, and performance outcomes

✔️ Often partly or fully funded via Access to Work, meaning minimal cost to your business

✔️ Reduces HR costs through improved retention, reduced absence, and higher engagement

According to Deloitte’s 2020 Mental Health Report, for every £1 spent on mental health and wellbeing initiatives, businesses see a £5 return on investment, thanks to reduced turnover, sickness absence, and presenteeism.

Why Investing in Neurodivergent Employees Pays Off

When your staff feel understood and supported, everyone wins.Neurodiversity-inclusive workplaces tend to see:

Better collaboration and communication
More innovative ideas and problem-solving
Increased staff satisfaction and loyalty

And perhaps most importantly, your employees stop simply surviving their workday and start thriving.

Ready to Make Your Wellbeing Budget Work Harder?

If you’re ready to move beyond generic wellbeing perks and offer meaningful support that really makes a difference, let’s talk.

We can help you design and deliver coaching, group support, and training that aligns with your budget and creates real, lasting impact.

📩 Get in touch today to discuss how your wellbeing or L&D budget can be used to support neurodivergent staff. Because your people deserve more than another meditation app.