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Being a remote worker can be especially beneficial for individuals with disabilities. It allows for greater flexibility and can provide the comfort and accommodations you require to get things done from home.
But, it’s still important to negotiate with your employer regarding your work arrangements. Some employers may be eager to set up supportive environments for their remote workers, but someone with a disability might require a few special arrangements to be productive and successful.
Discuss the Impact of Remote Work
If your employer isn’t yet on board with the idea of letting people work from home, it’s worth a conversation. You can start by discussing how remote work has become essential to creating inclusive environments for all employees to be able to do their jobs well. It can boost recruitment, increase productivity and benefits, and offer flexible arrangements to employees who might otherwise struggle to get to the office every day.
From a legal standpoint, you can point out that the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) says that working from home can be a reasonable form of accommodation for people with disabilities, under the ADA.
Your employer is likely going to want to make sure that allowing employees to work from home doesn’t hinder productivity and collaboration. However, thanks to technology, remote work can actually enhance communication and collaboration efforts.
When it comes to benefiting individuals with disabilities, remote work can actually provide collaboration opportunities that might not be so easy in person. For example, your business could host virtual social events. Remote work also allows for a variety of communication styles to come together, so people can adapt based on needs, making it more inclusive for people with different styles to showcase their work with others effectively.
These things are the tip of the iceberg when it comes to how remote work can positively impact a business while helping individuals become better teammates and employees. Bringing these benefits to your employer’s attention can encourage them to change their mind about remote work, especially when it comes to how it can impact people with disabilities.
Setting Yourself Up for Success
If your employer agrees to let you work remotely, you can provide continued reassurance that it was the right move by making sure you have everything you need to be productive and successful.
That starts with making sure you have the right home office setup, and all of the tools and resources you’ll need at your fingertips. Because so much of remote work success is based on online connectivity, you’ll want to choose the best internet for the job. When looking for providers, consider things like:
- Bandwidth;
- Download and upload speed;
- Latency
You’ll also want to familiarize yourself with cybersecurity practices and follow any safeguards your business has put in place.
Having a home office – a dedicated space where you can get things done – will make it easier to stay productive and will limit distractions. But, keep in mind that one of the perks of working from home is being able to take breaks and have more flexibility. You don’t want to be stuck in an office space all day. So, before you consider how remote work might benefit you, take a look at where you live, too. Some cities are more equipped for remote workers with disabilities than others. If your current employer isn’t open to the idea or you live in an area where you’re feeling stifled because of a lack of opportunities, it might be worth it to consider relocating.
Remote work is here to stay, and it can make a huge difference in the productivity and even quality of life of individuals with disabilities. Use these suggestions to approach your employer about the benefits of remote work, and with a few accommodations, you can enjoy the benefits of working from home safely.
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