Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi all,
Iv recently been diagnosed with ASD and was wondering if anyone had ever felt uncomfortable with a companies dress code?
My workplace is changing from casual to suits (Formal) even tough we don't see anyone and work purely by phone. I find suits very uncomfortable especial the restrictiveness of wearing a tucked in shirt to trousers and have always opted for black jeans in the event of a one off occasion.
Wearing restrictive clothes general causes me to sweat (To the point I would be asked if I just got out the shower) and feel really hot.
I was wondering if anyone knows if there is anything I could do?
Has anyone else had this issue?
Would it count as a reasonable adjustment to wear dark jeans? If so would my employer have to allow it?
Thank you and please leave any other thoughts as it is of interest.
Thank you,
I would find this very challenging. I don't like tight, inflexible clothing. I like it to be comfortable and loose. I wear black trousers (this was a big step for me), black trainers and a comfortable, plain jumper for work. It's never been an issue. Our dress code isn't casual but it isn't as formal as suits either. I would find it really uncomfortable wearing more formal clothing. I'm female by the way.
I would have thought clothing could be a reasonable adjustment. Especially as you work over the phone so really why is it an issue anyway. It's certainly worth a discussion.
As to whether your employer has to allow it is a little more complicated as it depends a little on what they think is reasonable. Others on here have had experience asking for reasonable adjustments. It's not something I've ever had to do.
Thank you for replying.
I have pushed the issue with my employer that I am never seen anyway, and was told that I must wear a suit. I think they are doing this to be awkward.
I am now in the process of getting a Doctors note in relation to my ASD in hopes this will help with my employers decision.