Workplace Inclusion, Support, and Kindness

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When considering workplace accommodations, my thoughts immediately turn to those for disabilities that may not be visible.

How do individuals with mental health disorders or learning difficulties get accommodations when their challenges aren't apparent and they may hesitate to discuss them openly?

Digging into this topic, given my passion for inclusion and special needs, I've found that creating psychological safety is crucial.

People need an environment where they feel comfortable disclosing their needs, expecting support rather than facing stigma.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) has adopted a shift from a ‘charity-based’ to a ‘rights-based’ perspective.

This urges companies to adopt policies specifically addressing special needs, safeguarding individuals' rights, and avoiding judgment or dismissal.

There are many accommodations recommended to foster healthy workplace environments for people struggling with mental health illnesses and cognitive difficulties including, but not limited to:

  1. Modifications in work schedule: Flexible hours, breaks, work-from-home options, and adjusted targets.
  2. Support for work efficiency: Matching jobs to strengths, job-related training, mentoring, extended deadlines, less complex tasks, cognitive aids, reinforcements, and periodic review.
  3. Modifications in the work environment: Supportive supervisors and colleagues, a less stigmatizing atmosphere with mental health awareness, and encouragement in peer-supervisor meetings.
  4. Modifications in appraisal: Alternative skill testing, eligibility based on essential job functions, and flexible promotional thresholds.
  5. Supportive employer policy: Flexible leave, equal treatment of physical and mental disabilities, clear job protocols, financial aid for mental health care, integration of mental health with work, recruitment of wellbeing officers, employee assistance programs, and inclusive policies.

In my opinion, the fundamental accommodation for unseen challenges or disabilities is kindness.

Kindness acts as the foundation, paving the way for other accommodations and modifications.

Take home message: 

Starting with kindness creates a ripple effect, fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace.

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about." - Wendy Mass.

 If you find yourself struggling to process difficult feelings, don't hesitate to reach out and send me a message or an email on kindmindbydana@gmail.com ðŸ˜Š

Yours truly,

Dana Berri

Kindness is not just a virtue, it's a way of life. 

Resources: 

1. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0253717620939771

2. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09638288.2019.1635658?scroll=top&needAccess=true




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