From an interview with Jacqui Wallis, CEO of Genius Within – as heard on the Build & Thrive Podcast
Neurodiversity has entered the mainstream workplace conversation – but how well is it understood and applied in practice, especially in industries like construction?
In the latest episode of the Build & Thrive podcast, host Jennie Armstrong sits down with Jacqui Wallis, CEO of Genius Within, for an eye-opening and practical conversation about what neurodiversity means, why it matters, and how construction employers can move from awareness to action.
If you’re short on time, this blog summarises the key takeaways from the episode – though we highly recommend watching or listening to the full podcast for the full depth of insights.
What is Neurodiversity?
Jacqui begins by demystifying the term neurodiversity. “Neurodiversity refers to cognitive differences in how people process information,” she explains. This can be due to conditions people are born with – such as ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, autism, and Tourette’s – or those acquired later in life, such as brain injuries, strokes, or the cognitive impacts of menopause or mental health conditions.
The definition is deliberately broad, reflecting the range of ways our brains can function and the fluidity between short-term and long-term challenges. As Jacqui puts it: “Everyone in their working life will have a period where they struggle cognitively – whether it’s due to illness, burnout, or life changes. Neurodiversity is relevant to all of us.”
Why Construction Needs to Pay Attention
Construction might not be the first sector you associate with neurodiversity awareness – but perhaps it should be.
Recent research conducted by the National Federation of Builders and CITB, shared in the episode, reveals that 1 in 4 construction workers identify as neurodivergent – higher than the general population estimate of 1 in 5. ADHD was the most commonly reported condition, making up 54% of neurodivergent construction workers surveyed.
This matters not just from an inclusion perspective but also from a productivity and wellbeing standpoint. Construction workers are more likely to face high-pressure, time-sensitive environments, long hours, and shift work – all of which can exacerbate cognitive challenges. As Jennie notes, “Construction is fast-paced and high-stress – and that affects how people show up at work.”
Yet, despite this prevalence, 75% of respondents said they were never asked about neurodivergence during onboarding. The conclusion? It’s time for the industry to catch up.
Neurodivergence as a Strength
One of the most powerful moments in the episode comes when Jacqui reframes the discussion: “We see neurodivergence as a spiky profile – the gap between what you’re brilliant at and what you find challenging.”
For many in construction, this means strengths in spatial awareness, problem-solving, creativity, and visual thinking. “If you can mentally map electrical systems or visualise the stages of a build, that might be a form of neurodivergence,” Jacqui says.
These strengths are an asset. But to fully benefit from them, employers must also address the barriers – particularly around communication, documentation, and information processing.
Inclusive Communication Matters
The discussion highlights some straightforward, high-impact adjustments employers can make – many of which benefit all workers, not just neurodivergent ones.
Simple changes include:
- Using dyslexia-friendly fonts and 1.5-line spacing in documents.
- Breaking up the toolbox talks into manageable chunks.
- Providing key information in both written and audio format.
- Repeating important safety messages at the start and end of shifts.
As Jacqui points out, these approaches mirror the “dropped curb” analogy: an adjustment made for one group (e.g., wheelchair users) that ends up benefiting everyone (e.g., parents with prams or people with injuries).
Overcoming Stigma
Despite growing awareness, stigma remains a major barrier – especially for workers who fear disclosure will harm their careers. “There’s still a lot of shame. People don’t want to put their hands up,” Jacqui explains. This is particularly pronounced in male-dominated environments and among workers who move frequently from site to site.
Jennie relates this to her own experience: “You start to understand why someone wouldn’t disclose when there’s no support, and a new job could be around the corner.”
Creating psychologically safe spaces where people can speak up without fear is essential. One memorable example Jacqui shares comes from a South Wales construction company, where managers use a simple scale from 1 to 10 to check in with their team: “Tell me how you’re doing today – 1 being awful, 10 being great.” It removes the pressure of verbal disclosure while opening the door to support.
Free Resources for the Sector
One of the most exciting developments discussed in the episode is the creation of new industry-specific training resources.
Funded by CITB and developed by Genius Within and Into Work, the programme includes:
- Free e-learning modules on neurodiversity in construction
- Manager-specific training on inclusive leadership
- Live virtual and in-person workshops around the UK
You can access these resources via the National Federation of Builders at builders.org.uk/neurodiversity.
As Jacqui explains, “It’s about giving teams the tools to have better conversations and create environments where people can thrive.”
Practical Tools to Support Neurodivergent Workers
In addition to training, Jacqui shares some tools that Genius Within offers for individuals and organisations, including:
The Genius Finder
A self-assessment tool with 66 practical questions about day-to-day workplace challenges. It generates a “spiky profile” and offers personalised strategies (from a database of over 400) to help people work more effectively.
The Genius Finder is accessible without needing a diagnosis and costs £42 per licence – or can be bought in bulk by organisations.
Workplace Coaching
Genius Within also provides coaching for individuals via Access to Work or occupational health referrals. Clients report an average 75% improvement in workplace performance.
As Jacqui puts it: “Most people don’t need a full overhaul – they just need small, practical changes to unlock their best work.”
Let’s Talk Induction and Onboarding
One final area the podcast explores is how to support neurodivergent employees from day one.
Here are a few of the tips discussed:
- Give new hires their questions in advance of interviews.
- Use job trials and practical tasks in recruitment.
- Provide onboarding documents in multiple formats.
- Assign a buddy system to ease navigation of new sites and routines.
- Offer four-week phased induction content covering both culture and logistics.
As Jennie notes, “These are all things that would benefit everyone – not just neurodivergent staff.”
Final Takeaway: It’s Not About Special Treatment
One of the most important messages Jacqui leaves us with is this: supporting neurodivergence is not about lowering the bar.
“I don’t want special treatment,” she says. “I want to progress on my own merit. I just want the information in a way I can access it. That’s it.”
By removing barriers, increasing awareness, and using available resources, the construction industry has a huge opportunity to become a leader in inclusive, effective employment.
🎧 Prefer to listen or watch?
This episode of Build & Thrive is available now as both a podcast and video. Search for “Build & Thrive Podcast – Neurodiversity in Construction with Jacqui Wallis” on your preferred platform, or visit constructionhealthandwellbeing.co.uk for links.
✅ Key Takeaways:
- 1 in 4 construction workers identify as neurodivergent – higher than the general population.
- Neurodivergence can bring unique strengths – like visual thinking and problem-solving – but also challenges around memory, communication, and overload.
- Stigma still exists, especially in high-pressure, male-dominated industries like construction.
- Free training and resources are available via Genius Within and the CITB-funded NFB programme.
- Small changes – like communication clarity, onboarding improvements, and leadership support – make a big difference.
- Neurodiversity strategies benefit everyone, not just those with diagnoses.
If you care about building healthier, happier construction workplaces, this episode is a must-listen. Catch up with the full podcast or video today – and let’s build a more inclusive future, together.
If you’re involved in construction and eager to explore the nuances of neurodiversity, this episode is essential listening.
🎙 Watch or listen to the full podcast with Jacqui Wallis on Build & Thrive, available now on YouTube, Spotify, and all major platforms.
For more information about Jacqui, visit: https://www.instagram.com/jacswol/ or Jacqui Wallis on LinkedIn.
Listen now wherever you get your podcasts or watch the full episode on YouTube.
🎧 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2431164 (or search your podcast app)
📺 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEoibJLDuFnnT3qSQw37LKPG6xlyvCj7B
The more we talk about it, the closer we get to real change. Let’s make mental health a priority in construction.
Join the Conversation!
Do you have experiences or thoughts on mental health in construction? Drop a comment below or share this post to help break the stigma.
Together, we can build a stronger, safer, and healthier construction industry.
And finally, a huge thank you to GKR Scaffolding for sponsoring the first series of the Build & Thrive podcast, we highly appreciate your support!
At Construction Health & Wellbeing, we’re here to help businesses like yours prioritise health and wellbeing. Contact us today to learn how we can support your journey.
Learn more about the people and businesses mentioned in this blog:
Jennie Armstrong: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniearmstrong/
Construction Health & Wellbeing: https://constructionhealth.co.uk/
Jacqui Wallis:
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquiwallis/ / https://www.linkedin.com/company/genius-within-cic/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacswol/
- Website: https://geniuswithin.org/
- Linktree: https://linktr.ee/GeniusWithinCIC
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@geniuswithincic
GKR Scaffolding (sponsor): https://gkrscaffolding.co.uk/
