Managing stress at work

The Equality Act 2010 means that employers must make reasonable adjustments for disabled people.

If you find some things harder at work because you are disabled, reasonable adjustments could be:

• flexible working
• adapted equipment, such as chairs, keyboards or voice recognition software
• taxis to work
• British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters at work

There is no set definition of what is ‘reasonable’. It depends on the job, the employer and your condition.

Access to Work grants can pay for specialist assessments. An assessment can help to work out what is reasonable in your situation.

Reasonable adjustments at work

If your employer does not agree to reasonable adjustments, this could be disability discrimination at work.

Disability discrimination at work

Talk to your doctor, who may refer you to someone who can give you professional emotional support.

Some employers also have independent employee assistance schemes. Find out if your employer does.

Work and stress (Mind, the mental health charity)

Mind Wellness Action Plans are available free online for employers, employees and for those working from home.

Talk about what you find stressful with someone you feel comfortable with. Together, you could find ways to manage the stress and improve your situation.

Planning and pacing your work

If you need to pace yourself at home, ask your manager if you can make a similar plan for work. Reduced hours and flexible working can both be reasonable adjustments.

Flexible and part-time working

Asking for reasonable adjustments to your duties, equipment or environment

The right adjustments can make your job less stressful. 

If your employer does not respond to your needs, email a more formal request.

Reasonable adjustments request template

Getting someone independent to help (mediation)

If you cannot get the help you need, a mediator might help you and your employer. They can help you both think about things in a different way and find a solution.

The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) helps with individual disputes and offers mediation services. Call the helpline on 0300 123 1100.

You might not have to stick with the same job or employer. If you start looking, you might find a job that's a better fit for your skills with a disability-friendly employer.

Finding a job that matches your skills

Disability-friendly employers