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Thinking About Workplace Adjustments

Luftmentsch
over 1 year ago

I struggle to advocate for myself in the workplace. I have to deal with things like using multiple documents at once or doing things with multiple steps which is hard with executive functioning issues. I have lists of what to do, but I still make mistakes sometimes, not least because I don’t always remember to look at the lists. I also have to make and take phone calls occasionally. Periodically, there are days when I have to make a lot of important and very difficult phone calls, which means dealing with social anxiety, spoken word processing issues, telephone issues and problems talking to people and remembering the correct responses or even problem solving on the spot. That doesn’t happen too often, thankfully, but it did last week.

I feel uncomfortable with this aspect of the job, but I’ve had long periods of unemployment and don’t want to risk losing this job, which in other ways is good (relatively high pay considering the hours and workload; a very understanding and laid-back boss). When I try to think of possible adjustments, autistic rigidity kicks in and I feel like there are no adjustments I can ask for that would be both reasonable and useful. I don't feel that asking not to use the phone is reasonable, given my contract. I actually don’t know what reasonable adjustments I would like, I just know that I feel a certain level of depression and anxiety in the workplace, not to mention feelings of inadequacy and overwhelm. I just feel I have to deal with it somehow or lose the job.

I would be grateful for any possible suggestions.

Parents
  • over 1 year ago

    I'm going through a similar process with my manager at the moment.  I am lucky in that my manager and team are very supportive, I can work from home and have flexi time.  I attended something a few weeks ago where they had two slides with suggestions, many of which I found I already did e.g. colour coding my calendar, trying to block out time to focus on specific tasks, using bullet points to summarise meetings and actions.
    The things we are currently exploring/talking about are more for when I'm in the office as I kind of know how to deal with things from home.:

    • Permanent desk when working in the office rather than hot desking.
    • What to do in the office if I'm overwhelmed e.g.
      • using a meeting room or finding somewhere quiet.
      • being able to take an extended break.
      • setting myself to do not disturb - maybe even having something on my desk.
      • using noise cancelling headphones.
    • How to more effectively delegate tasks.
    • What the trigger point should be for sick - I was off last year for the first time in 4 years with stress, then I got Covid, so it triggered a HR check which wasn't helpful.
    • Rejecting invitations to meetings the same day.

    So, don't know if any of those ideas help?

    Cheers,

    Joe 

Reply
  • over 1 year ago

    I'm going through a similar process with my manager at the moment.  I am lucky in that my manager and team are very supportive, I can work from home and have flexi time.  I attended something a few weeks ago where they had two slides with suggestions, many of which I found I already did e.g. colour coding my calendar, trying to block out time to focus on specific tasks, using bullet points to summarise meetings and actions.
    The things we are currently exploring/talking about are more for when I'm in the office as I kind of know how to deal with things from home.:

    • Permanent desk when working in the office rather than hot desking.
    • What to do in the office if I'm overwhelmed e.g.
      • using a meeting room or finding somewhere quiet.
      • being able to take an extended break.
      • setting myself to do not disturb - maybe even having something on my desk.
      • using noise cancelling headphones.
    • How to more effectively delegate tasks.
    • What the trigger point should be for sick - I was off last year for the first time in 4 years with stress, then I got Covid, so it triggered a HR check which wasn't helpful.
    • Rejecting invitations to meetings the same day.

    So, don't know if any of those ideas help?

    Cheers,

    Joe 

Children