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'Reasonable' Workplace Adjustments

ProbablyTheWay

So I've had my formal diagnosis report through which comes with a summarised version for me to give to my employer which I have now done. Mixed feelings about it honestly, on the one hand I'm excited that I've got the paperwork to back me up now but also apprehensive about changing things and how my employer will take it.

I know that legally they have to do something to accommodate my requests but it's still nagging me that I've managed for nearly 8 years before these changes on my own. All be it with fluctuating motivation. Has anyone else gone through similar?

I work in a office of a small department of a SME, everyone knows everyone kind of place.

The sort of things I've asked for:

  • Moving desks so I can at the back of the room, preferably with no one behind me. (currently with my back to the main door and end up turning around every time someone enters)
  • Only receiving calls to my direct phone number, not the general office phone
  • Not expected to answer the door to clients (we don't have visitors in our dept but others do and knock on our window to come in)
  • Use of noise cancelling headphones as and when I need
  • Option to take regular breaks (Think I already do this but mask it as tea breaks!)

I don't think I'm asking for much really but I know me moving desks means one of my 5 colleagues will have to move too unless everyone shifts about, both of which will probably cause a stir.

Parents

  • These sound reasonable, and you're right that you're absolutely legally entitled to these adjustments if they can be reasonably accommodated within your job role. If they allow you to work better, it's in everybody's interests to allow you them. Nevertheless, I can completely relate to being nervous about disclosing. I've done some reading of studies on how disclosure in the workplace goes, as I was very nervous about disclosing myself - very happy to share my impressions from what I've read if that would be interesting. 

    You might be interested in the NDSA information here: https://ndsa.uk/content/reasonable-adjustments/, and here: https://ndsa.uk/content/employment/. Have a think about whether other adjustments would be helpful on top of what you've listed. I think you can sometimes get Brain in Hand via Access to Work, for example. Or if lights are too bright, or office clothes can be uncomfortable, or you could do with a quiet place for your breaks - all those things are worth considering if they'd make things easier for you.

    Best of luck! Let us know how it goes :)

Reply

  • These sound reasonable, and you're right that you're absolutely legally entitled to these adjustments if they can be reasonably accommodated within your job role. If they allow you to work better, it's in everybody's interests to allow you them. Nevertheless, I can completely relate to being nervous about disclosing. I've done some reading of studies on how disclosure in the workplace goes, as I was very nervous about disclosing myself - very happy to share my impressions from what I've read if that would be interesting. 

    You might be interested in the NDSA information here: https://ndsa.uk/content/reasonable-adjustments/, and here: https://ndsa.uk/content/employment/. Have a think about whether other adjustments would be helpful on top of what you've listed. I think you can sometimes get Brain in Hand via Access to Work, for example. Or if lights are too bright, or office clothes can be uncomfortable, or you could do with a quiet place for your breaks - all those things are worth considering if they'd make things easier for you.

    Best of luck! Let us know how it goes :)

Children
  • in reply to Fenchurch

    Thank you! I think I've seen (but not properly read) those pages from my own nervous googling of what adjustments are and what was actually sensible or... Reasonable!

    Yes please do share your impressions it would be great to see what you've come up alongside my own thoughts on it. 

    One thing I saw on the links that i forgot to list was regular 1 to 1 reviews so I understand how I'm doing in my role. I think after 7 years of employing me they probably have some idea of how I work or don't in some cases. I feel relatively safe in that they are happy with my performance and should want to help me to help themselves. 

    My main issues I think stem from the culture in the workplace, it's a very "traditional" place and the older managers are certainly set in their ways. I don't think they are intentionally dismissive of neuro diversity, it's just not come up for them much. But I am keen to at least make people aware of it and maybe break some stereotypes they might have!