• Replies 2 replies
  • Subscribers 5 subscribers
  • Views 47 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Looking for Advice on Workplace Difficulties and Advocacy Support

MrTomFoolery

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for guidance about a difficult situation at work. I’m currently in the last days of a mental health leave. The leave was triggered by intense pressure to improve my performance under threat of dismissal. I’ve been having weekly review meetings, and the tone has been very critical, which has pushed me into an unhealthy mindset. I work as a web developer and am required to be in the office; requests to work from home were declined because of my performance.

This is the third time in a year I’ve needed time off for my mental health. After the previous episode, we started discussing workplace adjustments to help manage stress and improve performance. However, after speaking with my therapist about the most recent issues, I’ve realized that many of my struggles are closely tied to my autism. I have difficulty focusing, I’m very quiet in meetings, and the harsh language used in the weekly reviews triggers strong emotional responses. I also get overwhelmed easily, especially when my workflow is disrupted by sudden requests from clients or colleagues. One of the biggest triggers before my recent leave was being told I was only 5% into a two‑day project despite having logged 16 hours. I had no idea how to respond or why I was apparently so slow. I now understand that without appropriate accommodations, my autism can significantly affect my working speed and ability to cope — and that this needs to be recognized and supported.

For my return to work, I need to emphasis that my autism requires proper accommodation. My therapist strongly recommended that I get an advocate to support me in these weekly meetings and help ensure I’m receiving appropriate adjustments. I’m seeing my GP later today to request a referral to my local NHS autism service who I am hoping can provide the advocate, or at least point me in the right direction.

What I’d like to know is:

  • Has anyone been in a similar situation, and what helped you

  • How can I make sure I’m receiving the right support and adjustments

  • How should I respond when work says I don’t know what support I need, or that the support they’ve offered isn’t enough

  • If anyone has advice on receiving an advocate at work

Any advice or shared experiences would be really appreciated.

Thank you

Parents

  • Hi Mr Tom Foolery, sorry to hear you've had a hard time with your employer. Have you heard about or tried Exceptional Individuals? Here's a link, their website explains better than I could: https://exceptionalindividuals.com/candidates/workplace-needs-assessments/

    I didn't end up getting a workplace needs assessment because I realised it's my actual role that's the issue, so it's more of an HR thing for me, it's quite thankless and my line manager clearly has no clue what to do with me but I'm not having to endure the kind of thing you are. No wonder you've had to take mental health leave. 

    Anyway, I spoke to exceptional individuals on the phone and they were really nice and kind and took the time to properly listen and understand my circumstances. Even if they can't help you just now, they might be able to sign post you to something useful.

    Good luck. I hope you get the support you need.

Reply

  • Hi Mr Tom Foolery, sorry to hear you've had a hard time with your employer. Have you heard about or tried Exceptional Individuals? Here's a link, their website explains better than I could: https://exceptionalindividuals.com/candidates/workplace-needs-assessments/

    I didn't end up getting a workplace needs assessment because I realised it's my actual role that's the issue, so it's more of an HR thing for me, it's quite thankless and my line manager clearly has no clue what to do with me but I'm not having to endure the kind of thing you are. No wonder you've had to take mental health leave. 

    Anyway, I spoke to exceptional individuals on the phone and they were really nice and kind and took the time to properly listen and understand my circumstances. Even if they can't help you just now, they might be able to sign post you to something useful.

    Good luck. I hope you get the support you need.

Children
No Data