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'Reasonable' Workplace Adjustments

ProbablyTheWay
over 2 years ago

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
  • over 2 years ago

    Sounds totally reasonable and will cost them nothing.

    I do get what you mean though. I'm 57 now and diagnosed last year. I had a diagnosis of dyslexia at 19, when it was only just really being recognised and no one really knew how to accomodate it. I've NEVER had a reasonable adjustment for an exam and just got on with it...

    In hind sight, had I known I was both autistic and dyslexic years ago, a lot in this life could have been easier. 

    In the end, just because you have been hitherto coping without help or the few tweaks that make a difference, doesn't mean you have to go on doing it. Those little accommodations for you can be the difference between doing well and hitting burn out. It doesn't help your employer much to let you hit burn out.

  • over 2 years ago in reply to Dawn

    Thanks for your reply Dawn!

    There was definitely a feeling of guilt when I submitted the report. As I had been coping for so long but my wife and therapist echoed your point that just because I have survived all these years doesn't mean it should continue. Some feelings of selfishness too - surely everyone hates X or Y about their job why should I be exempt from it? When in reality not everyone does hate X or Y. Life outside my bubble!

Reply
  • over 2 years ago in reply to Dawn

    Thanks for your reply Dawn!

    There was definitely a feeling of guilt when I submitted the report. As I had been coping for so long but my wife and therapist echoed your point that just because I have survived all these years doesn't mean it should continue. Some feelings of selfishness too - surely everyone hates X or Y about their job why should I be exempt from it? When in reality not everyone does hate X or Y. Life outside my bubble!

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