Spotting Hidden Requests for Workplace Accommodations

Understanding the needs of employees who may face challenges in the workplace due to health conditions is essential for fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment. Employees might express difficulties performing specific tasks or mention barriers that impact their productivity, even if they don’t use formal language to request adjustments. For instance, comments about physical discomfort, challenges with meeting deadlines, or difficulties with focus can signal an underlying need for additional support. When employers actively listen to these cues, they show a commitment to valuing the well-being of their workforce, creating an atmosphere where employees feel comfortable sharing their challenges openly.

By proactively recognizing these subtle indicators, employers can help employees maintain productivity and job satisfaction. Addressing such needs early can also prevent minor issues from escalating into larger challenges, which ultimately benefits both the employee and the organization. Whether itā€™s modifying workstations, offering flexibility with schedules, or providing additional tools, small adjustments can make a significant difference. Prioritizing employee needs in this way not only enhances individual performance but also strengthens the companyā€™s overall culture, as employees feel seen, supported, and motivated to contribute their best work.

Here are 30 examples of statements an employee might make that indicate a potential need for a reasonable accommodation under the ADA, even if they donā€™t explicitly mention ā€œADAā€ or ā€œreasonable accommodationā€:

  1. ā€œIā€™m having trouble getting to work on time due to my treatment schedule.ā€
  2. ā€œIā€™m finding it difficult to keep up with the workload because of my health condition.ā€
  3. ā€œMy current workstation causes a lot of discomfort due to my back issues.ā€
  4. ā€œI need more frequent breaks than usual to manage my condition.ā€
  5. ā€œI canā€™t sit for extended periods without experiencing pain.ā€
  6. ā€œIā€™m experiencing difficulties focusing ever since I started on new medication.ā€
  7. ā€œI canā€™t lift heavy objects like I used to because of my surgery.ā€
  8. ā€œThe fluorescent lights in the office are triggering my migraines.ā€
  9. ā€œI need a quieter space to work due to my sensitivity to noise.ā€
  10. ā€œMy hands hurt a lot when I type for extended periods.ā€
  11. ā€œIā€™m finding it challenging to read on my computer screen for long due to my vision issues.ā€
  12. ā€œIā€™m not able to use the stairs anymore, and I noticed thereā€™s no elevator access to my floor.ā€
  13. ā€œIā€™m feeling physically drained by the end of the day because of my condition.ā€
  14. ā€œStanding all day is becoming really difficult for me due to my recent health issues.ā€
  15. ā€œI need help managing some tasks that require fine motor skills because my hands arenā€™t as steady.ā€
  16. ā€œMy medication makes me feel drowsy in the afternoon, which is affecting my work.ā€
  17. ā€œIā€™m having difficulty concentrating and staying organized since my diagnosis.ā€
  18. ā€œI need to avoid tasks that require climbing due to my balance issues.ā€
  19. ā€œThe temperature in the office makes it challenging for me to stay comfortable with my condition.ā€
  20. ā€œI canā€™t carry heavy files back and forth to meetings anymore due to my back issues.ā€
  21. ā€œIā€™m having trouble seeing certain colors, which makes it hard for me to read reports.ā€
  22. ā€œSitting through long meetings without breaks is becoming really painful.ā€
  23. ā€œUsing the phone for long periods causes strain on my neck due to my recent injury.ā€
  24. ā€œIā€™m finding it difficult to meet deadlines because of my condition.ā€
  25. ā€œTyping for long hours is causing pain in my wrists.ā€
  26. ā€œItā€™s challenging for me to work a full eight-hour shift without breaks.ā€
  27. ā€œI canā€™t make the early morning meetings due to my new treatment schedule.ā€
  28. ā€œIā€™ve been feeling more fatigued than usual and need help with my tasks.ā€
  29. ā€œThe air quality in this part of the office is causing breathing difficulties for me.ā€
  30. ā€œMy joints get stiff, and I need to get up and stretch frequently during the day.ā€

Each of these statements can be a subtle indication that the employee is experiencing difficulties due to a health condition and might need a reasonable accommodation. Recognizing these cues allows employers to open the interactive process, ensuring the employee receives the support they need to perform their job effectively.

Take the time to listen, observe, and respondā€”by proactively engaging in these conversations, you foster an inclusive and supportive workplace where every employee can thrive. Start recognizing these cues today to make a positive impact on your team’s well-being and productivity.

Elga Lejarza

Founder/CEO

HRTrainingClasses.com

HRDevelop.com