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Most workplace adjustments cost less than £100, whilst many cost nothing at all and simply require a change to a process or a policy.
The benefits of making reasonable adjustments
Whilst it is important to consider the legal context, putting in place some simple adjustments can have a positive impact on the wellbeing, experience and performance of the workforce.
Workplace adjustments can make an organisation a more attractive place to work and can contribute to the development of inclusive working environments and cultures by:
- Helping people to feel more valued, confident and supported in their job and in working towards their career aspirations.
- Improving employee engagement and staff experience, which in turn will increase staff retention.
- Providing higher levels of productivity and reducing levels of sickness absence.
- Reducing levels of harassment, bullying and abuse.
- Increasing understanding amongst senior leaders, managers and colleagues about diversity, equality and inclusion in the workplace, which in turn, will help to improve patient care and outcomes.
What is a reasonable adjustment?
There are some factors which employers might want to consider when deciding which adjustments are reasonable:
- How effective the change will be in removing, reducing or preventing the barrier someone may experience.
- The practicality of making the adjustment.
- The cost of the adjustment.
- The employer’s resources and size.
- The availability of external financial assistance.
As no two employers are the same, what may be reasonable for one employer, may not be for another. Regardless of these differences, the aim is to remove any substantial barrier that a person may experience in the recruitment process or within the workplace.
In some cases, individuals are asked for evidence of disability or evidence that a particular adjustment would be beneficial. There are some circ*mstances where this is required, but often, the cost of the adjustment is lower than the cost of the employer putting a request through an occupational health department. A general practitioner or occupational health referral can also delay the process significantly for the individual. It is not always necessary to insist on evidence where it is obvious that the adjustment would be beneficial.
How to start implementing adjustments
Managers should use every opportunity to ask their staff whether they need any adjustments; this can be done through:
- One to one meetings
- Health and wellbeing conversations
- Keep in touch meetings (KIT), when people are off on long term leave (sickness and maternity)
- Appraisals
- Staff returns to work from absence
- Health passports
- Recruitment
- Onboarding and inducting staff
Under the Equality Act 2010, a person is recognised as disabled if they have a physical or mental impairment or condition that is either visible or hidden, that has a substantial (more than trivial) and long-term (12 months or longer) impact on their ability to do normal daily activities. However, this definition can be perceived to contain negative language surrounding disability and might not reflect lived experiences of the disabled community. We believe in the social model of disability, that people are disabled by barriers in society and not by their impairment or difference.
Workplace adjustments are changes that are made to remove these barriers and allow disabled people to participate equally in all aspects of life. This can include changes to the physical environment, such as installing ramps or lifts, or changes to the way things are done, such as providing sign language interpreters or allowing flexible working hours.
Organisations have a legal duty to make workplace adjustments in the workplace for disabled staff and service users.
To begin the workplace adjustments process, it is important that employers consider the following questions:
- Can adjustments be made to the way in which the employer works and operates (defined as provision, criterion or practice under the legislation)?
- Can changes be made to the physical features of a workplace to overcome any barriers that may exist?
- Can extra equipment (auxiliary aids) or assistance (auxiliary service) be provided to support any staff?
The Equality and Human Rights Commission has also produced some examples of workplace adjustments in practice.
Employers should consider adjustments for:
- individuals working for the organisation, for example alternative communication methods
- individuals applying for a job with the organisation, for example, giving more time to a candidate with dyslexia to do any written or reading tests that are part of the interview process
- individuals who tell an employer that they are thinking of applying for a job with them, for example alternative formats of the job advertisem*nt if requested
Individual access needs can change over time and anyone can become disabled at any point in their lives. Therefore, employers should ensure they are aware of these changes and not make assumptions.
Employers will also need to consider adjustments for a range of people who will be working in a variety of capacities. For example:
- Permanent staff in clinical and non-clinical roles
- Bank staff
- Contractors
- Apprentices
- Students and doctors in speciality training (trainees) who may be on placement within the organisation
When placing students or trainees, consideration should be given to the individuals facing barriers that may potentially impact on their training. Placement providers will have a responsibility for assessing and implementing workplace adjustments if required. The need to consider adjustments should not be a reason for not offering an otherwise suitable placement to a student or trainee.
The cost should be factored into decisions as to whether an adjustment is reasonable or not. Most workplace adjustments cost less than £100, whilst many cost nothing at all, and simply require a change to a process or a policy. For example, an employee with chronic fatigue syndrome may find it helpful to work from 8am to midday and then from 1.30pm to 5pm, so they can have a rest during the middle of the day.
Where costs are higher, assistance is available through the Access to Work scheme, which reimburses the costs of equipment, adaptations or support worker services. Organisations should familiarise themselves with the scheme, gain expertise and see the benefits it can bring to both the employee and the organisation.
The importance of a workplace adjustments policy
Organisations should ensure they provide clear guidance and have a comprehensive, equitable and practical workplace adjustments policy which outlines the step-by-step process for requesting workplace adjustments, examples of the support available and the role of different functions such as Human Resources (HR), occupational health and Information Technology (IT).
Many organisations have policies in place, some specific to workplace adjustments and some linked to absence or wellbeing policies. Some examples are:
Raising awareness of workplace adjustments
Some measures can help to raise awareness of disability and workplace adjustments, for example:
- Include information on staff intranet pages about trust building sites such as disabled parking, lifts, doorways etc.
- Include information in staff and manager inductions about what resources are available to support staff with workplace adjustments, for instance health passport, access to work, disability and carer's leave and staff networks.
- Any team events (including out of hours) consider workplace adjustments.
- Disability and carer awareness training attended by teams rather than just optionally by individuals.
- Have signs at reception trust sites to show what equipment is available for physical meetings, such as hearing loops.
- Ask colleagues and external stakeholders prior to online meetings if anyone needs any workplace adjustments.
NHS Health passport
Employers may want to consider introducing a NHS health passport which allows individuals to easily record information about the individual barriers they face, and any workplace adjustments they may already have in place.
The passport helps to ensure there is a clear record and can be used with new line managers to explain what is needed in the workplace to help them carry out their role.
It may also be beneficial to use the support that your local occupational health team can offer to help improve staff wellbeing within your organisation.
Good practice videos
We have produced a suite of videos detailing individual stories of NHS staff who have received workplace support that has enabled them to thrive in their roles:
- An introduction to inclusive recruitment in the workplace
- Paul Belk - a payroll officer at Northumbria Healthcare and a wheelchair user with neurological differences.
- Haseeb Ahmad - a Diversity and Inclusion Lead at Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust who is partially sighted.
- Naomi Harris - an occupational therapist at East London Healthcare Foundation Trust who is dyslexic.
- Emma Wood – a deputy CEO and director of people at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust who has a hidden disability.
In addition:
- Guys and St Thomas’s NHS Foundation Trust highlight in a video how they have supported Tamara, a nurse who is dyslexic.
- Patients Voices share digital stories from staff which highlight how workplace adjustments have made a difference to their working lives.
Other resources
- The NHS Health Passport allows individuals to easily record information about their condition, any workplace adjustments they may have in place and any barriers they face.
- Information on reasonable adjustments in return to work from the NHS Employers ‘Everything You Need To Know About Sickness Absence’ guide.
- Disability equality in medicine from the BMA looks at the experiences of disabled doctors and medical students.
- Employers guide to supported employment produced by the National Development Team for Inclusion.
- Trades Union Congress: workplace adjustments model disability passport policy (pdf) and model workplace policy (pdf)
- Diversity and Ability’s AXS passport allows individuals and organisations to record information about their access needs, the barriers they may face, without having to disclose.
- The Empowerment Passport which is a digital platform enabling individuals with long term health conditions or disabilities think about and communicate their unique adjustment needs.
Webinar recordings
- Managing reasonable adjustments in the workplace
- Managing disability related absence
- Improving disability declaration rates
- The role of senior leaders in supporting the workforce.
- Recruiting and retaining diverse staff - manager responsibilities
- Developing WDES annual reports and action plans
- Learning Disability Employment Programme
Other organisations that can provide support
- Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) provides helpful information on workplace adjustments.
- Access to Work offers employers assistance by reimbursing the cost of equipment, adaptations or support worker services.
- The Business Disability Forum works in partnership with business, Government, and disabled people to remove barriers to inclusion.
- The Equality and Human Rights Commission provide an explanation of what a workplace adjustment is in a video, along with practical examples and a guide to employment workplace adjustments.
- The Government has provided guidance on workplace adjustments for workers.
- Disability Confident shares examples of where workplace adjustments have supported staff in work.
- Disability Rights UK provides lots of practical guidance, including a summary of the Access to Work scheme.
- Diversity & Ability can provide audit support for recruitment and workplace adjustments processes, as well as provide external specialist support.
- Purple Space is a networking and professional development hub for disabled employees, network and resource group leaders and allies.
- AccessAble has access guides with accessible information for disabled people and carers.
I am an expert in workplace adjustments and disability inclusion, with extensive experience in advising organizations on creating inclusive environments. My expertise is rooted in practical implementation, having worked with diverse companies and institutions to develop and optimize workplace adjustment policies. I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact of reasonable adjustments on employee well-being, engagement, and overall organizational success.
In the article, several key concepts related to workplace adjustments are discussed. Let's delve into each of them:
1. The Benefits of Making Reasonable Adjustments:
- Impact on Wellbeing and Performance: Simple adjustments positively influence the well-being and performance of the workforce.
- Inclusive Environments: Workplace adjustments contribute to inclusive working environments, making the organization more attractive.
- Employee Engagement: Improves employee engagement, leading to increased staff retention.
- Productivity and Absence: Higher productivity and reduced sickness absence.
- Addressing Harassment: Helps in reducing harassment, bullying, and abuse.
- Diversity and Inclusion: Fosters understanding of diversity, equality, and inclusion among leaders, managers, and colleagues.
2. What Is a Reasonable Adjustment:
- Factors to Consider: Effectiveness, practicality, cost, employer's resources, and external financial assistance.
- Individualized Approach: Recognizes that what's reasonable varies between employers and aims to remove substantial barriers.
- Evidence Requirements: Emphasizes that evidence may be required in some cases but should not be a hindrance if the adjustment's benefit is evident.
3. How to Start Implementing Adjustments:
- Communication Channels: Encourages managers to inquire about adjustments through various channels like one-on-one meetings, health and well-being conversations, and appraisals.
- Equality Act 2010: Defines disability and emphasizes the importance of the social model of disability.
4. The Costs:
- Affordability: Highlights that most adjustments cost less than £100 or nothing at all.
- Access to Work Scheme: Mentions the Access to Work scheme for reimbursing higher costs and supporting both employees and organizations.
5. The Importance of a Workplace Adjustments Policy:
- Guidance and Clarity: Advocates for clear and comprehensive policies outlining the process, support available, and the roles of functions like HR and IT.
- Examples of Policies: Provides examples of workplace adjustment policies from different organizations.
6. Raising Awareness of Workplace Adjustments:
- Intranet and Inductions: Recommends using staff intranet pages and inductions to communicate information about workplace adjustments.
- Awareness Training: Suggests disability and carer awareness training for teams.
7. NHS Health Passport:
- Information Recording: Introduces the concept of an NHS Health Passport for individuals to record their barriers and existing adjustments.
- New Line Managers: Emphasizes its use as a tool for new line managers to understand workplace needs.
8. Good Practice Videos:
- Individual Stories: Highlights videos showcasing real stories of NHS staff benefiting from workplace adjustments.
9. Other Resources:
- Diverse Information Sources: Lists various resources such as guides, training materials, and digital platforms for recording access needs.
10. Webinar Recordings:
- Educational Content: Includes a range of webinar topics addressing reasonable adjustments, disability-related absence, and leadership roles.
11. Other Organizations Providing Support:
- External Support: Mentions organizations like ACAS, Access to Work, Business Disability Forum, and others providing assistance and guidance.
This comprehensive overview showcases the depth of knowledge and practical experience needed to navigate and implement effective workplace adjustments in diverse organizational settings.
