Ways to make reasonable adjustments at work

The National Health Watch

What are reasonable adjustments?
Reasonable adjustments are changes that an employer makes for an employee with a disability.
This only becomes a legal duty if the employee is at a disadvantage in their work.
Your employer must make reasonable adjustments if:

  • YOUR mental health problem is a disability;
  • YOU experience difficulties or disadvantages at work because of your disability;
  • THE adjustments would remove the difficulties or disadvantages you face;
  • IT is reasonable in all circumstances to make the adjustments; and,
  • THEY know about your disability. This means you may have to tell your employer about your mental health problem. Focus on how it impacts on your job.

What sort of changes can I ask for?
The changes you may need will depend on the work you do and what you find difficult.
You could ask to make changes such as the following examples:

  • USE voicemail. You can take messages this way if answering phone calls makes you feel anxious;
  • COMMUNICATING by email. If you feel stressed by face-to-face contact, use email;
  • ARRANGING flexible working. Flexible hours might suit your needs better. For example, this way, you can attend medical appointments or start work later in the day;
  • REQUESTING a quieter work space. This can help if you find it difficult to concentrate at work;
  • WORKING by a window or asking for a light box. You might want to make these changes if you have seasonal affective disorder;
  • Getting on-the-job support. This could be a workplace mentor, or permission to contact your support worker during work hours; and,
  • TAKING time out when distressed. Even just a few minutes away from your working space can help. You could go out for some air. Taking time off work for your mental health is as valid as time off for physical health. If you’re too unwell to work, you need time to get better. It doesn’t mean you’ll never go back to work. Your employer should support you when you’re ready to return.

Next week’s edition: Returning to work.