Engineering

Mott MacDonald

About Mott MacDonald

Mott MacDonald is a global engineering, management, and development consultancy focused on guiding clients through many of the planet’s most intricate challenges.

Their network of experts, active in over 150 countries, finds opportunities in complexity, turning obstacles into elegant, sustainable solutions.

By looking at problems from a fresh angle, they add value at every stage.

That same philosophy extends to their internal teams, where inclusion and understanding are key to success.

The Challenge

Mott MacDonald’s HR team sought support from Victoria to address growing tension between a Deaf employee and his colleagues.

The team member was struggling to come to terms with his deafness, leading to frustration, communication breakdowns, and strained relationships across the wider team.

As discussions began about his future employment, HR wanted to find a positive, constructive way forward that focused on inclusion rather than separation.

The Solution

Victoria delivered a one-day Deaf awareness workshop for the team, designed to build empathy and improve communication.

Through discussion and shared experiences, colleagues learned how Deaf people navigate daily workplace challenges and how small adjustments can make a big difference.

Before the session, Victoria met with the Deaf employee to understand his perspective and ensure his voice was represented safely in the training.

She then followed up with him afterwards, sharing what the team had learned and how they had responded, helping him feel seen, understood, and included in the process.

“What Victoria did was to use awareness and education techniques. This enabled the team to understand how their colleague was feeling and what was leading him to behave as he did.”

Jenny Winton, Senior HR Advisor

The Results
  • Improved communication and empathy within the team
  • A positive shift in the Deaf employee’s confidence and engagement
  • Colleagues began learning British Sign Language during lunch breaks
  • A renewed sense of inclusion and care across the department
Testimonial

“I only wish I could have Victoria’s support in all my HR functions! I’m so confident in the level of service she delivers I recommend Victoria to everyone.”

Jenny Winton, Senior HR Advisor, Mott MacDonald

What They Said

“It was a truly amazing transformation! It had such an impact on him because he now felt included and cared about.”

Jenny Winton

“And what it meant for the deaf member of staff was to be understood finally. He felt they could now empathise with his frustrations because previously he hadn’t been able to find a way to do this.”

Jenny Winton

“Victoria helped transform a guy who hated life, his work, his colleagues; into someone who was now suggesting he spent his lunch breaks teaching his colleagues BSL. It was a truly amazing transformation!”

Jenny Winton

Key Learnings
  • Awareness training can transform relationships and retention outcomes
  • Educating hearing colleagues reduces frustration and builds empathy
  • Including Deaf employees’ perspectives is essential to meaningful change
  • Communication challenges are best solved with understanding, not discipline
  • True inclusion benefits both individuals and teams