For companies in today’s fast-evolving economy, talent is the single most important competitive advantage. But here’s the challenge: some of the brightest minds are being overlooked.
According to non-profit Spectrum Works, people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) face staggering unemployment rates — nearly 85% — despite having skills, education, and the drive to excel. This isn’t just a social issue; it’s a massive missed opportunity for employers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) industries.
Now, new legislation in New Jersey aims to change that, and Bergen Logistics is already showing what success looks like.
The Challenge: High Potential, Low Employment
Talent pipelines in STEM are under pressure. The demand for IT, data, and engineering skills is growing, yet companies often struggle to find qualified candidates.
Meanwhile, thousands of neurodiverse individuals — including people with autism — graduate every year with the very skills companies need, but face systemic barriers to employment:
- Misconceptions about their abilities
- Lack of workplace accommodations
- Limited opportunities to gain real-world experience
The result? Highly capable individuals are underutilized, and businesses lose out on the innovation and dedication they could bring.
The Legislative Push: Incentives to Hire Neurodiverse Talent
New Jersey Senator Andrew Zwicker has introduced a package of bills designed to close this gap. The centerpiece: tax incentives for companies hiring neurodiverse individuals into STEM roles — including IT.
Key highlights of the proposed legislation:
- Tax credits for businesses employing neurodiverse talent in STEM fields
- Funding for county colleges to create specialized programs supporting neurodiverse students
- Support for hands-on training opportunities to prepare candidates for in-demand roles
As Senator Zwicker puts it:
“It’s just good common sense. The return on investment is significant. This is not just the right thing to do — it’s also a smart business decision.”
Bergen Logistics: Turning Potential into Performance
While lawmakers work on policy, Bergen Logistics is already making it happen.
In partnership with Spectrum Works, Bergen hosted Eric, a master’s student with a passion for IT, for a six-week internship last summer. Starting at the IT help desk, Eric quickly progressed to working in the cloud computing environment — gaining the technical and professional skills that will fuel his career.
Eric’s takeaway?
“I learned technical skills, but also how to advocate for myself and work effectively as part of a team.”
Why This Works: The Bergen Approach
Bergen Logistics’ model is built on the belief that diversity drives innovation and business growth.
Marjorie Ramos, Chief People Officer at Bergen Logistics, sums it up perfectly:
“With these interns, it’s not just about showing they’re welcome in the workplace — it’s about proving there’s a legitimate place for them. They’re making real contributions.”
Bergen focuses on:
- Real work, real impact – Interns contribute to critical business operations, from IT troubleshooting to cloud systems integration.
- Mentorship and skills development – Providing guidance and training to help talent thrive.
- Inclusive culture – Ensuring everyone has the opportunity to contribute to productivity, revenue, and innovation.
Business Benefits: Why Hiring Neurodiverse Talent Makes Sense
Employers partnering with 3PL leaders like Bergen Logistics aren’t just doing good — they’re building better businesses.
Here’s why:
1. Untapped talent pool
Neurodiverse individuals often have exceptional skills in pattern recognition, problem-solving, and focus — highly valuable in STEM.
2. Increased innovation
Diverse teams bring unique perspectives that drive creative solutions.
3. Reduced turnover
When given the right support, neurodiverse employees are often highly loyal and engaged.
4. Positive brand impact
Demonstrating a commitment to diversity can enhance employer branding and customer loyalty.
The Role of Technology: From CloudX Systems to IT Innovation
As operations grow more complex, technology is critical to success. Bergen Logistics’ IT team — supported by platforms like CloudX Systems — ensures seamless order fulfillment, real-time inventory tracking, and secure data management.
Integrating neurodiverse talent into these tech-driven environments isn’t just possible — it’s a strategic advantage.
Eric’s time in Bergen’s cloud computing environment shows that with the right onboarding and support, neurodiverse professionals can thrive in even the most advanced technology ecosystems.
Spectrum Works: Bridging the Gap
Spectrum Works is a New Jersey-based non-profit focused on creating sustainable employment opportunities for people with autism. By partnering with companies like Bergen Logistics, they:
- Identify and prepare candidates for industry-specific roles
- Provide training and job coaching
- Help employers build inclusive workplaces
The Bergen-Spectrum model is a blueprint for success — and exactly what the new legislation aims to scale statewide.
Education’s Role: Preparing the Next Generation
The legislation also invests in education, with over $1 million earmarked for county colleges to build programs supporting neurodiverse students in STEM.
College representatives emphasize that funding will expand programs in culinary arts, computer skills, and iSTEM, giving more students access to career-relevant training.
From Pilot to Policy: Scaling Impact
The Bergen Logistics–Spectrum Works internship wasn’t a one-off. It’s part of a broader shift toward seeing neurodiverse individuals as valuable contributors, not just as part of diversity initiatives, but as critical members of high-performing teams.
For Eric, the experience opened doors — and his dream job is clear:
“I want to become a data analyst or a cybersecurity specialist in a company like Bergen Logistics, where I can put my skills to good use.”
Action Steps for Employers
If you’re a business leader in STEM or logistics, here’s how to start:
1. Partner with organizations like Spectrum Works
They’ll connect you with qualified candidates and provide support for onboarding.
2. Evaluate roles for neurodiverse suitability
STEM roles often align well with neurodiverse strengths in analysis, precision, and problem-solving.
3. Create an inclusive onboarding process
Clear instructions, mentorship, and structured feedback help employees succeed.
4. Leverage incentives
Stay informed about tax credits and grants to support neurodiverse hiring.
5. Measure impact
Track retention rates, productivity gains, and employee engagement to quantify the business value.
Bergen Logistics’ Commitment
As a global leader in third-party logistics, Bergen Logistics understands that people are at the core of operational excellence.
Marjorie Ramos makes it clear:
“Anyone who has the opportunity to contribute to our productivity, our revenue stream, our innovation, is welcome to work here.”
That commitment to inclusion isn’t just good ethics — it’s good business.
Looking Ahead
If Senator Zwicker’s bills pass, more companies will have a financial incentive to do what Bergen Logistics and Spectrum Works are already proving: hiring neurodiverse talent in STEM is a win-win for individuals, businesses, and the broader economy.
At Bergen, the lesson is simple — talent is everywhere. The opportunity lies in creating pathways for it to shine.
Is your company ready to tap into an extraordinary talent pool?
Let’s talk about how Bergen Logistics can help you build a workforce that’s diverse, skilled, and ready for the future.