Episode 107: Neurodiversity in the Workplace with Richard Tregaskes

In today's podcast, Richard Tregaskes from Atkins Realis shares his journey with dyslexia and its impact on his innovative problem-solving skills. He talks about initiating a neurodiversity employee resource group in the Americas, inspired by his university diagnosis, which helped improve his academic performance. Our conversation highlights the importance of neurodiversity in the workplace, especially in the AEC industry, emphasizing the need for accommodating and understanding neurodiverse employees to boost productivity and innovation. It covers the benefits of simple adjustments like alternative communication methods and accessible formats, and suggests practical inclusivity strategies like noise-canceling headphones for remote workers, flexible work environments, and tailored support. Richard has 17 years of Engineering Design experience including as a multidisciplinary project manager before joining AtkinsRéalis as a senior project manager. Over his career Richard has helped deliver projects in his native UK, the Far East, Middle East and North America. Richard understands the strengths that his Dyslexia brings him and tries to use those as an advantage for the projects he is helping deliver. Richard's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardtregaskes/ Office Design for Neurodiversity: https://www.atkinsrealis.com/en/engineering-better-future/beyond-engineering/nurturing-neurodiversity