Aim Forward

26/01/2026

As January comes to an end, the motivation of the new year may be fading, but the joy of spring is still out of reach. For neurodivergent employees, there may be a direct disruption to your brain’s operating system causing low moods and making the days harder.

When Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) meets neurodivergence, it creates a unique set of challenges:

1. The dopamine deficit. Many neurodivergent brains already operate on a dopamine deficit. Sunlight is a natural trigger for dopamine and serotonin production; with drizzly January days, that "internal fuel" drops. This makes task initiation feel physically painful. It’s not that you’ve lost your drive; it’s that your brain’s natural motivation levels are seasonally low.

2. Increased sensory friction. Winter is a high-sensory season. Heavy layers of clothing, the hum of heaters, and the glare of harsh artificial lights in dark rooms create constant "background noise" for the brain. This extra sensory input uses up the cognitive energy you would normally spend on your work, leading to much faster exhaustion.

3. The executive function gap. SAD brings "brain fog," which acts like a weight on your executive functions. If you already struggle with focus or memory, the January fog makes even simple tasks feel like climbing a mountain.

If you or your colleagues are struggling right now, it isn't a lack of willpower, it’s a physiological response to the season. Remember to be kind, we can't all operate at full capacity every single day. Brighter days are coming 🌼.

#2026

21/01/2026

Scaling fast is the dream, but for many startups, growth carries a hidden cost. We see it constantly: lean teams hitting a wall of burnout, high turnover just as stability becomes critical, and the struggle to retain top talent.

We help you build a growth culture that is actually sustainable by providing the assessments, coaching and strategies needed to support your high-performing talent.

Building a product is hard enough; building a resilient, inclusive team that satisfies investors and reduces attrition shouldn't be the part that breaks you.

Let’s start scaling without the burnout.

19/01/2026

Today is often referred to as Blue Monday. While this might be a marketing concept, the reality of low mood and depression in the workplace is very real for millions of UK employees.

For an employee living with depression, these aren't just "January blues", they are significant barriers to daily functioning. For many people, additional workplace support can make a big difference to their depression symptoms, helping them to stay well, rebuild confidence, and regain a sense of balance day to day.

Our Workplace Needs Assessments are designed to identify what practical changes could help an employee with depression at work. We take time to understand the individual’s experience including mood, motivation, energy levels, time management, and environmental factors.

From there, we provide clear, tailored recommendations for potential reasonable adjustments.

Depression is complex, but workplace support shouldn't be. Taking a holistic approach means seeing the person behind the role, and creating an environment where they can feel safe, supported, and valued.

16/01/2026

Having your traits of ADHD be misconstrued as 'laziness' can feel extremely upsetting and frustrating. Understanding the reality of executive dysfunction is a crucial step in changing this narrative.

It is about more than just productivity; it is about feeling seen and understood by those around you. Most importantly, it allows you to understand yourself better, replacing that frustration with the clarity you need to move forward.

Find out more in our new blog: https://zurl.co/kDuFw

14/01/2026

Recent reports indicate that in some regions, the backlog of ADHD assessment waiting times is so severe it could take up to 10 years for adults to receive a formal NHS diagnosis.

With over half a million people currently in the queue, the country is facing a "support gap" that threatens the mental health, productivity, and careers of thousands of talented individuals.

An employee struggling with focus, organisation, or executive dysfunction today shouldn't have to wait until 2035 for support.

At Aim Forward, our services can support any employee with traits of ADHD who is looking for either a diagnosis, or advice and strategies for the workplace. We have appointments available for diagnostic and needs assessments within the next two weeks.

Don't let a waiting list stall your potential, or the potential of your team ➡️ https://zurl.co/NNzHN

13/01/2026

We're so proud to be partnering with the brilliant team at Realise HR to bring neurodiversity support to even more workplaces! 🎉

📣 BIG NEWS 📣

We’re so excited to launch our new partnership with Aim Forward!

Are you looking for neurodiversity expertise to better support your colleagues? We’ve got you covered.

Realise has partnered with Aim Forward to introduce a comprehensive new workplace offering focused on neurodiversity and mental health assessments. This collaboration combines Aim Forward’s expertise in diagnostic and needs assessments with our commitment to creating inclusive, supportive workplaces.

Together, we’ll help organisations:
🌿 Support colleagues and their wellbeing
👩🏽‍💻 Identify and implement reasonable adjustments
🧬 Create inclusive cultures
⚠️ Meet legal obligations under the Equality Act

What’s on offer:
🟢 Diagnostic Assessments - Cognitive evaluations to diagnose specific learning differences.
🟢 Workplace Needs Assessments - Practical strategies and adjustments to remove barriers and ensure compliance.
🟢 Coaching - Hands-on support to apply strategies, build lasting habits, and boost productivity.

Does this sound like something you need?

We’d love to help! Let us introduce you with 10% off workplace needs assessments and preferential discounts off all other services

📧 Email us at hello@realisehr.co.uk today to get started!

12/01/2026

Did you know that 53% of UK tech workers identify as neurodivergent?

At the same time, burnout is costing employers an average of £5,379 per employee, every year.

For startups, where every hire counts, these challenges hit harder. Protect your employees and your business by investing in neuroinclusion and wellbeing as part of your growth strategy, not as an afterthought.

Find out more about how we can support your team here: https://zurl.co/hSLwj

09/01/2026

If you’ve spent years wondering why certain tasks feel like an uphill battle while others come naturally, it might be time for clarity. Understanding your neurodivergent profile isn’t about finding a label; it’s about finding the manual for how you function best.

Start the year with a better strategy. Take our free online test to gain insights into yourself and better understand common behaviours associated with neurodivergence. A different approach could help you overcome the uphill battle.

➡️ https://zurl.co/w1vPH

07/01/2026

As we settle back into work this week, now is the perfect time to look at the routines that will define our 2026.

We often think professional success comes down to willpower or "working harder," but the truth is that our workday mostly runs on autopilot. If you want a more productive, lower-stress year, you don't need more motivation, you need better systems.

Our latest blog explores how to turn intentions into sustainable workplace habits ➡️ https://zurl.co/wV65B

Let’s start the year by building routines that actually support our wellbeing as well as our productivity.

05/01/2026

Employees are asking for neurodivergent support, as a leader, you may know its important, but be wondering where to start.

The most effective way to move from awareness to action is to make Workplace Needs Assessments a mandatory part of your 2026 onboarding and annual review process.

By normalising support, you can unlock:

-Reduced turnover with employees staying where they feel understood.

-Lower absenteeism by implementing proactive adjustments to prevent burnout before it happens.

-Significant cost savings, our assessments are a fraction of the cost of re-hiring and training new talent.

Waiting for an employee to struggle before offering a Workplace Needs Assessment is reactive. Making it standard practice is proactive.

Make supporting all your employees a priority on your 2026 roadmap and we'll be there to help you every step of the way.

02/01/2026

If you're supporting a neurodivergent student through the challenges of GCSEs, AS, or A-Levels, this essential resource is for you.

Our webinar recording is packed with practical strategies and helpful advice to reduce exam stress and create a successful study environment.

Watch the full recording here: https://zurl.co/eCLDa

01/01/2026

New Year, Same You. Better Strategy.

By adding the tailored support and tools identified in a workplace needs assessment, you can build strategically on the amazing skills and strengths you already possess, allowing you to thrive in the workplace.

Find out more ➡️ https://zurl.co/PFSvL

Let us help you to navigate 2026 with clarity and confidence 🙌.

#2026