Neurodivergent employee awarded £12k after being told to “stop thinking outside the box - get back in your work box”.

Publishing firm MA Business have just had to pay out £12,000 to an employee because they failed to make reasonable adjustments for her neurodivergence.

When  Sophie Stone asked for a quiet breakout space at the company summer party because she experiences rejection sensitive dysphoria, she was told to

"stop thinking outside the box" / "get back in your work box."

The comment, the tribunal found, was "understandably triggering." 

Even though they believe the Event Director in question did not intend to offend, they found that company had no neurodiversity policy, the manager had no training. 

And now MA Business owes £12,000.

In this situation no one wins, and I see it playing out across businesses everywhere right now as we juggle 'tickbox whiplash'; companies who have been more focussed on looking like they support their ND people, than actually putting that into practice on the shop floor.

This stuff isn't complicated but right now, managers are terrified to have the conversations because of stories like this.

Our BRAIN FIRST Manager + Leaders training is a great place to start - get in touch to discuss how we can make sure your workplace isn't the next headline! 

Source: People Management / CIPD, January 2026.