Disability Pride Month – a colleague perspective on accessibility at SYSTRA

This month is important because it promotes the rights of people with disabilities at every level of society, and helps start positive conversations.

As an organisation, we at SYSTRA pride ourselves on accessibility for all.

Accessibility is achieved by enabling individuals to speak up about their challenges, and then adapting processes, as well as the organisation, to tackle the challenges that are presented.

There is a clear avenue for individuals to speak up through both our Equality Diversity and Inclusion Group, as well as the Wellness Champions initiative.

What can sometimes be seen in some workplaces as a more challenging step is finding the correct ways to adapt, so that all individuals are supported and in the best position to succeed.

In this Insight article, our colleagues speak openly about their experiences with disabilities and how accessibility is addressed in the SYSTRA work space.

Benedict Andrews is a Project Analyst in our Engineering Business. He said: “In my experience SYSTRA addresses accessibility well and is consistently finding ways to improve their approach and create an inclusive workplace for all.”

As a neurodiverse member of the workforce, support was offered from the beginning of my employment with my direct line manager seeking to understand the best ways to work with my ADHD and transform it into a strength.

Benedict Andrews, Project Analyst, SYSTRA Ltd

“This understanding displayed in SYSTRA that Neurodiversity is a strength rather than a weakness is displayed throughout the business through the Disability Equality Diversity and Inclusion Group.”

He pointed out that the ‘Disability Crew’ has representatives from every area of the business, and is a crucial forum for the individuals affected by accessibility issues to be able to give their solutions.

“Many of which may not be identified by able-bodied and neurotypical individuals,” Benedict said.

“This forum pushes innovative ways to address accessibility and allows those who face accessibility issues to create their own solutions.”

Project Administrator, Jay Warburton, said she believes the company has thought of everything to make new employees feel welcome and to cater for all their needs.

“If they haven’t, then they 100% make sure that is rectified,” she said.

SYSTRA are looking after their staff and are always looking for new ways to improve things for them.

Jay Warburton, Project Administrator, SYSTRA Ltd

“Some people may say that the company holds too many surveys or meetings, but that is because of the need to listen to their staff and take things on board.”

Rachel Goodwin, a Senior Planner at SYSTRA, lives with a condition called Fibromyalgia. The NHS defines it as a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body.

Rachel says her reality is that she has a huge range of other symptoms which include, chronic fatigue, constant joint pain, numbness and tingling in both legs, acute knee pain, migraines, anxiety, brain fog and increased sensitivity to pain, noise, and temperature. She has most of these daily and often experiences a flare up, which makes everything so much worse.

“Inevitably, this can impact on my working life at SYSTRA and before hybrid working my sick record was setting off triggers all over the place,” she recalls.

I requested flexible working and cut my working days from five to four, and being able to work from home has enabled me to find more balance in managing my condition.

Rachel Goodwin, Senior Planner, SYSTRA Ltd

Rachel said she has utilised the assistance programmes available through the company, and they have helped by providing valuable support and resources.

“I also have a great line manager and wider team,” she added.

“I always feel fully able to be honest about how I am feeling which is helpful if I need to juggle some work around or adjust my work hours.”

“Being a Wellness Champion at SYSTRA means I have a platform to use my experience and voice to raise awareness, and start conversations, which is actively encouraged.”

At SYSTRA we are proactively working to build diverse and inclusive workplaces that respect, value and optimise the contribution of all our employees. Find out about equality, diversity and inclusion at SYSTRA here.