Exclusion from the workplace not only has devastating effects on individual well-being and public health, but also limits organisational development and social cohesion. This book promotes an understanding of the strengths of people with diverse attributes, transforming a sense of being overlooked by employers to being a valued asset.

This handbook provides tools for people to respond respectfully to the way employees experience their working lives. It guides the reader to realise the potential strengths of employees, regardless of their background, life situation, mental health or neurological condition, and appreciate the impact of emotions on their contribution to and experience of work. Other books look at organisational reasons for motivation; this book addresses the emotional effect of significant change outside the workplace that has an impact on motivation at work. Chapters cover neurodiversity, parental coaching, Career Returners, menopause and the impact of different life stages.

This practical book uses cases and summaries throughout and has chapters on creating a successful programme of career support, together with 15 original Career Tools. It is particularly relevant to Human Resources, Learning and Development, and line managers, and anyone wanting to develop effective in-house career coaching for employees.

Robert Nathan is a Chartered Psychologist and the founder of Career Counselling Services. He is the co-author of Career Counselling and has pioneered holistic career coaching training in the UK and globally.

Tamsin Crook is an ICF Accredited Career Coach at Making Careers Work, with an MSc in Career Management and Coaching, and has a particular focus in working with neurodivergent clients.

Frances Cushway has been supporting women through career transitions since she trained as a Career Coach in 2006 while working for the BBC. She founded The Maternity Coach in 2019.

Gilly Freedman is a Psychologist and Accredited Executive Coach. She trains line managers in career coaching and also specialises in training and supporting doctors.

Kate Mansfield transitioned from a career in Recruitment to Career Coaching and is now a Director of Career Counselling Services. She coordinates CCS’s work with employers.

Aretha Rutherford is a Visiting Lecturer at Birkbeck University. With expertise in neurodiversity and career development, she combines academic knowledge with creative strategies to support diverse professionals.