Reasonable Adjustments

Reasonable Adjustments, sometimes known as ‘accommodations’, are things you put in place to support the access requirements of your employees, identified in the application and onboarding processes.

So many are concerned about how implementing workplace adjustments will affect their business – in fact, employers’ main perceived barrier (69%) to hiring disabled talent is the cost of making workplace accommodations.

But many adjustments required by neurodivergent (and neurotypical!) staff are actually low cost or even free, and there is help available to support businesses cover additional costs. In general, employment-based adjustments create safer, happier, and more productive workplaces, and are significantly cheaper than the cost of re-recruiting.

Simple changes to the work process and environment can enhance productivity and wellbeing, by creating safe spaces in which everyone can be their best self.

Work Environment

Quiet spaces for working

Varied lighting

Noise-reducing office partitions

Temperature adjustment

Clear signage within buildings

Moving of noisy equipment (printers, copiers) away from designated quiet areas

A personal assigned workstation rather than ‘hot desking’

Relaxing dress code for sensory sensitivities or motor challenges

Schedule Flexibility

Adjusted hours to avoid peak commute travel times

Comfort breaks

Remote working (the most requested adjustment of our survey participants, and advocated for by Screen Skills own research (2022))

Fixed hours rather than varied shifts might suit some

Additional time off for appointments or treatment

Additional Support

IT and communications support for remote workers

Providing a workplace mentor or ‘buddy’

Support Staff

Adjusted performance analysis that is outcome based rather than process based

Modifying procedures for testing or assessment

Additional feedback from supervisor

Modifying disciplinary or grievance procedures

Training

Neurodiversity awareness training for managers and staff

Specialist training for the individual in time management, visual memory, or communication

Adjusted training methodology to include pre-recorded videos that don’t rely on social ability or recall/memory skills

Sending materials in advance

Assistive Technology

Screen readers and dictation tools

Noise-cancelling headphones

Captioning services

Project or time management tools

Mind-mapping software

Communication

Option of mode, e.g. written or oral

Agendas and minutes for meetings

Recorded instructions, or ‘easy read’ manuals

Direct, clear instructions and deadlines

Colour and font preferences in written communications

Scheduling breaks into long meetings

Setting cut off times for digital communication

A note on: Reasonable Adjustments and The Law

Accommodations are not charitable gifts to neurodivergent employees – you are legally obligated under The Equality Act (2010) to make reasonable adjustments in the workplace to remove, reduce, or prevent any disadvantages that disabled workers face. Making adjustments can help avert discriminatory conduct against your business.