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Overcoming Stress and Anxiety at Work

Nintendo_Rat_Lover

Hi all! I am a new user to this site, I would like please if you could share some of your experiences with employment and aspergers. I started full time employment a few months ago but I am finding it difficult because the role is very unstructured, there is no routine and it is difficult to predict what is coming next and also there are a lot of things going on to keep track of at once. Also in any workplace and school I get subject to bullying and being singled out and when I suggest an idea those around me just spend the next 5 minutes telling me why it is a dreadful idea. I also struggle with settings like meetings getting my voice heard and knowing when it is okay to speak.

Has anybody else had similar experiences to these in the workplace? I am looking for a new job but I'm concerned I would struggle with the same or similar issues in any job which is all a bit depressing because I don't want to be unemployed. I really love writing and would love to be a professional author but I understand thats not very realistic.

Thank you very much for listening, does anybody have any advice on whether my issues are with me or the job and how you cope with aspergers in the workplace? Thank you very much!

  • I work Morrisons in Warminster in Wiltshire and it is busy there Fridays and I go to the warehouse have a breather and my manager comes up to me who says go back to the shop floor and I say it is too busy out there for Me and he says go back to work or go home and they want me to work fast but I like to work my own pace I don't know morrisons a good place for autism

  • Hello Trainspotter,

    Thank you so so much for your really helpful reply to my post! I really appreciate it and thank you so much for sharing your experiences with work and for providing that information about Reasonable Adjustments. I understand exactly what you mean about being told precisely what to do even though your way is fine and not being able to ad lib. There are a lot of dogs around our office and the noise and phones going off randomly is all difficult to deal with. Your experiences of an office environment sounds just like the things I also find difficult, it is really reassuring to know that it is not just me.

    My contract for my job ends mid December so I'll be looking for a different job anyway and I'm going to try to find one that is as repetitive and predictable as possible.

    Thank you again for your help, it is highly appreciated. Take care xx

  • Hi Nintendo Rat Lover (love the name!)

    I identify with what you are saying entirely.

    I never used to have this problem until my employment was TUPEd over to another employer and my job role changed.

    Previously, I had a lot of say in how I did my work.  I was told what was wanted, and as long as I did the work and got it right, they were not bothered in how it was done.

    Then it all changed.  My job role changed and instead of being left to concentrate on the job in hand, I was told to do one thing, then another (before the first job was finished), then do the telephone/reception (which I find extremely exhausting and I don't do it well,. I always avoid telephones and have never had to deal with other than internal calls before - I think the trouble with telephone calls from 'outside' is that they are often about things I know nothing about and I cannot 'ad lib' and be professional, I get confused, not know where to find the answer and drive everyone else mad.)  I am told not only what to do, but the precise way to do it, despite the fact I get the same result by doing it my way with no detriment to the company and no loss of accuracy whatsoever. I have to work in an open plan office most of the time - I find it very distracting and do not work my best.  There are obnoxious smells from the kitchen area and from people taking their 'food' to their desks.  And then I was told my performance is not what it should be.  I get told one thing by one person and another thing by another - and I get very confused in my head.  I have only just returned from work after five months off for anxiety, depression and stress.

    So there is my situation. 

    So what are the solutions, can anything be done?  Your employer has a 'duty of care' to not cause you illness, which includes Stress, anxiety and depression.  The first thing I would suggest is to join a Trade Union, preferably one which is recognised by your employer, but if not join one which is appropriate to your job. You have a legal right to join a Trade Union, and they are not as they are portrayed in the media. You will then get access to trained representatives and legal experts.  They can represent your case for adjustments in the workplace.  Your union representatives should be able to give you approprate advice and take your case forward.  

    If you are not getting anywhere with your request for reasonable  adjustments for your condition, and especially if you are not in a union,  you can ask ACAS for advice.  Acas can offer advice, and such services as mediation, and early concilliation. Ultimately there is an Employment Tribunal although this costs serious money - £1200 - and once again a Union will take your case to this through their solicitors at no cost to you if you are a  member and they think the case is worth fighting.

    Remember, your condition is not an illness.  It is classed as a 'disability' and your employer is legally bound to make adjustments so you are not disadvantaged over someone else who does not have your condition.  My employer seems to think by saying 'that is not the way we work' it absolves them of all responsibilities for the adjustments I have asked for.  I am taking it forward with the help of my Union.

    You may find the following link useful:

    http://www.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1859