Reasonable Adjustments at Work

Every employee deserves to work in an environment where they can perform to the best of their ability. For autistic people, the standard workplace can present a range of hidden barriers, from sensory overload in a busy office to confusing, unwritten social rules. Fortunately, there is a legal framework in the UK designed to address this. Small, effective changes, known as "reasonable adjustments", can make a world of difference, transforming a challenging environment into one where you can thrive.

This article is a practical guide for autistic employees in the UK. We will explain what reasonable adjustments are, your rights under the law, common examples that can help, and how to confidently request them from your employer.

What Are Reasonable Adjustments? Your Rights at Work

What exactly does the law say about this? In the UK, the Equality Act 2010 protects people with disabilities from discrimination in the workplace. Autism is considered a disability under this Act, which means you are legally protected.

A key part of this law is the employer's duty to make reasonable adjustments. This means that if something at work places you at a substantial disadvantage because you are autistic, your employer has a legal obligation to make changes to remove or reduce that disadvantage. This is not about asking for special treatment; it is about ensuring you have the same opportunity to succeed as your non-autistic colleagues.

Identifying Your Needs: What Adjustments Could Help You?

The right adjustments are entirely personal and will depend on your specific role and your unique autistic profile. It can be helpful to think about the challenges you face at work and what practical changes could help you overcome them.

Here are some common examples of adjustments that autistic people find beneficial:

• Environmental Adjustments

  The physical workspace is often a source of sensory stress. Adjustments could include being provided with a desk in a quieter area of the office, away from high traffic zones like printers or kitchens. Or they could mean making changes to lighting, such as having a bright fluorescent light above your desk turned off and using a desk lamp instead. You might also seek permission to wear noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs to block out distracting background noise and help with focus.

• Communication Adjustments

  To avoid misunderstandings and reduce anxiety, you could request instructions, tasks, and feedback to be provided in a clear, direct, and written format (like an email) rather than just verbally. Have regular check-in meetings with your manager to discuss your workload and priorities, and try to get yourself a workplace mentor who can help you navigate unwritten social rules.

• Flexibility Adjustments

  Managing energy levels is crucial for avoiding autistic burnout. You might ask for flexible start and finish times to avoid the sensory overload of a rush-hour commute, or the option for some home working if your role allows it. You could also ask for more frequent short breaks to help you regulate sensory input and maintain focus throughout the day.

• Task and Workload Adjustments

  To support executive functioning and organisation, you could ask for help with breaking down large projects into smaller, more manageable steps, or assistive technologies such as task management apps or visual timers.

How to Request Adjustments: A Step-by-Step Guide

So, how do you start this conversation with your employer? Approaching the discussion in a prepared and constructive way can lead to the best outcome.

1. Prepare Your Case

   Before you speak to anyone, take some time to think. Clearly identify the specific difficulties you are facing in your role. Then, think about what specific adjustments would help solve those problems. Write these points down so you have a clear plan.

2. Schedule a Private Meeting

   Ask for a private meeting with your line manager or a representative from the HR department. This ensures you have a confidential space to discuss your needs.

3. Have a Constructive Conversation

   Frame your request positively. The focus should be on how these adjustments will enable you to be a more productive, effective, and successful employee. For example, instead of saying, "The office is too noisy", you could say, "I've noticed that I can focus much better and produce higher quality work in a quieter environment. Would it be possible to move my desk to the corner over there?" To access these rights, you will likely need to disclose that you are autistic, if you have not done so already.

4. Follow Up

   After the meeting, it is good practice to send a brief, polite email to your manager summarising what you discussed and any adjustments that were agreed upon. This creates a helpful record for both of you.

What if Your Request Isn't Met?

An employer can only refuse a request for an adjustment if it is not considered "reasonable". What is reasonable depends on factors like the size of the organisation and the cost or practicality of the change. They must be able to provide a clear justification for any refusal. If you feel your request has been unreasonably denied, you can seek advice from organisations like the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas), Citizens Advice, or a trade union.

Empowering Yourself in the Workplace

Requesting reasonable adjustments is your legal right and a proactive step towards building a successful career. It is about creating an environment where the focus can be on your considerable strengths.

By understanding your needs and advocating for them with confidence, you empower yourself to not just survive at work, but to truly thrive.