Gen Z now represents more than 30% of the workforce, with over half identifying as neurodiverse. Approximately 1 in 7 people are neurodivergent, meaning they think, learn, and process information differently from conventional expectations. Workplaces must adapt to support them. Yet many businesses continue to inadvertently exclude neurodivergent employees through outdated workplace policies.

Strawberry Field’s Steps to Work is one initiative addressing this gap. Leading northwest property services company The Momentum Group has established a longstanding partnership with the programme, which empowers young adults with learning difficulties who are neurodivergent or face barriers to employment, helping them secure paid work.

Today, we’re speaking with two Momentum Group employees who completed the Strawberry Field Steps to Work programme and the Steps for Students programme and now work at the company full-time. While The Momentum Group employed both individuals based on the merit of their work, the programme has helped the company understand how businesses play an important role in shaping inclusive work environments built on compassion and integrity.

Speaking to us below are Claudia Watson, Graduate Project Manager, and Liv Agate who works full-time as part of the cleaning team. Both share their experience utilising Strawberry Field’s Steps to programme and how The Momentum Group supports its employees:

• To start, could you introduce yourself and tell us what your role at The Momentum Group is?

Claudia – I am a Graduate Project Manager undertaking Retail Delivery, mostly representing Liverpool ONE and managing fit-outs and alterations of shops and restaurants.

Liv – I am a housekeeper responsible for cleaning the main Momentum Group office and the wider communal areas of the building we work in.

• What kind of support did you receive through Strawberry Field that really helped you professionally?

Claudia – A month after graduating from my Master’s in Construction Project Management, Strawberry Field arranged two days of work experience for me with Momentum’s Project Management team.

Liv – The part of Strawberry Field that really helped me was learning the correct language to use when applying for jobs and writing CVs. A big barrier had been not knowing what was expected of me or understanding the specific terminology used in job descriptions.

• Can you talk us through your work placement at The Momentum Group, what were you doing, and what did you learn?

Claudia – I spent one day shadowing a Senior Project Manager who manages Landlord works and another day with the Senior Project Manager who conducts Retail Delivery. I was taken on site, shown drawings, sat in on meetings, and learned about what each role entails.

Liv – I was offered a 3-month work placement with The Momentum Group as a housekeeper/cleaner at one of the properties they manage. I kept the common areas clean and tidy. I was taught all the relevant colour coding for cleaning different areas, as well as which cleaning products to use, and completed COSHH training to ensure I was doing the job safely.

• What were your first impressions of The Momentum Group when you started your placement?

Claudia – I contacted Strawberry Field because I wanted to work for a company where I could openly discuss the reasonable adjustments I need to be at my most productive with ADHD. Momentum made it very clear from day one that they were open to discussing this and did not see ADHD as an issue.

Liv – I found The Momentum Group to be really welcoming, and everyone I met was friendly and made me feel at ease. I also felt I was able to talk easily to the member of the team who was my mentor.

• What new skills have you built since starting at The Momentum Group, either professionally or personally?

Claudia – I’ve learned how to do my job, I can now undertake R1, R2, R3, and R4 project stages, which include an array of different tasks that change depending on the project. If I listed them all, we’d be here all day!

Liv – I’ve learned to judge how long a particular cleaning task will take, which helps me plan my workday more effectively.

• What’s something you can do now that you didn’t feel confident doing before?

Claudia – Leading meetings and enforcing health and safety on site.

Liv – I feel more confident in my day-to-day decision-making. I now feel like I know what I’m doing and can perform to the required standard.

• What support do you receive from The Momentum Group day-to-day that helps you succeed in your role?

Claudia – I have a very supportive manager who trusts me to manage my own projects and answers all of my questions. I’ve learned very quickly and feel like I grow in knowledge and confidence every day.

Liv – The team is very easy to approach when I need help, and they listen well to what I say, which makes me feel like there are fewer barriers. I’m also kept informed of any changes or important updates quickly, and the team is patient with me if I’m confused or need to clarify anything.

• What are you most proud of since starting your job?

Claudia – I’m always very proud when I complete projects, but also when I do things for the first time – like conducting meetings or enforcing health and safety on site.

Liv – I’m proud of how consistent I’ve been since starting. Consistency over longer periods has been something I can struggle with. I’m also proud of how I can interact with other team members around the office – this was something I used to always feel awkward about.

• Looking ahead, what goals do you have for yourself next – either at The Momentum Group or in your career overall?

Claudia – In the next 12 months, I want to be promoted from Graduate to Project Manager, and I’ve started my journey to becoming Chartered with the RICS.

Liv – I’m looking forward to continuing in my role and growing in confidence and ability in the workplace.

• From a Momentum Group perspective, what has driven your commitment to the Strawberry Field Steps to Work and Steps for Students programmes?

Chris Bliss and Chris Renshaw, Co-Founders and Co-Directors at The Momentum Group – Committing to the Strawberry Field Steps to Work and Steps for Students programmes matters deeply to us, both as a business and as individuals. At The Momentum Group, we’ve always believed that our responsibilities extend beyond the work we do day to day – investing in social causes and the wider community is simply part of who we are.

Our partnership with Strawberry Field has gone from strength to strength. We’ve now hosted nine young people on work placements, and we continue to look for new ways to grow and deepen that relationship. We’re also proud to have recently been certified as Disability Confident Committed, and we’re looking forward to rolling out Neurodiversity in the Workplace training across the business.