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John tamed Tourette’s ‘gremlin’ and promotes ED&I
When John Craig was diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome at 21, he recalls it as a low point that led to a period off work while he found necessary support.
The neurological condition causes involuntary movements and sounds, which can be incredibly difficult for those who have to deal with them.
After treatment, John is in a much better place; since joining Mitie, he’s been focusing on breaking down the barriers that prevent people with protected characteristics or health conditions being their true selves in the workplace.
Exhausting not being who you are
That’s why besides being an active member of Mitie’s thriving LGBTQIA+ network, John volunteered to star in our This Is Me campaign, aimed at promoting equality, diversity and inclusion (ED&I).
The Mitie People Support HR manager says: “There are certain situations – I describe it as the gremlin – where the Tourette’s wakes up and it wants to come forward…It’s really exhausting not being who you are at work. I’m an out gay man and I have a disability. If people don’t know that and I don’t reflect that in my day-to-day, then I’m hiding something, which means I’m always presenting different versions of myself.”
Out, proud and openly sharing
John hopes that by sharing his story, he’ll help others see it’s perfectly okay to be yourself in the workplace.
As part of This Is Me, colleagues are being asked to update their diversity data on Mitie’s systems, helping to reveal both the make-up of the workforce and any barriers or areas requiring additional support.
John says: “Sharing your story is really important to bringing your true self to work, but also in terms of role modelling behaviour for other colleagues. There are always people who are less certain about sharing their story, being open about who they are. Seeing people in the business who are out, proud and openly sharing their conditions, disabilities – it’s really important and impactful to celebrate the diverse workforce that we have. For me as well, in terms of accessing support, if no one knows that you need support or adjustment or help, then they’re not going to come forward and offer that.”
Everything to gain
John is one of nine Mitie colleagues who has shared a personal story as part of the This Is Me campaign’s drive to promote ED&I.
Working in HR, he knows some may be cautious to open up and request the help they need to thrive.
Having done so himself, John wants others to see that there’s nothing to lose and everything to gain.
He says: “I consider it really important to bring my true self to work. I’ve been really fortunate at Mitie in terms of reasonable adjustments and managing my condition. I had an open conversation with my line manager when I joined the business. We embarked on engaging with occupational health to assess my adjustments and what I needed to be successful in my role… There’s a whole range of services, from our networks to occupational health, that are there to support colleagues to be effective and be themselves within the workplace.”
Thanks to John for sharing his experiences. Look out for more inspiring stories from This Is Me contributors coming soon. And to find out more about Mitie’s approach to ED&I, click below.
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