If you have an employee with a disclosed hidden disability, there are a few things you can do to support them in the workplace:
Encourage open communication:
Encourage your employee to communicate openly and honestly about their disability and any accommodations/reasonable adjustments that may be needed. This will help ensure that they have the support they need to be successful in their role. Respect who they have disclosed to, some one with a hidden disability may have only disclosed to their boss/HR etc and not their wider team and you should be mindful of their preferences regarding disclosure.
Provide those accommodations (reasonable adjustments):
If your employee requests accommodations to perform their job effectively, provide them (particularly if they are reasonable). Accommodations may include things like assistive technology, modified work schedules, or physical modifications to the workplace.
Promote an inclusive culture:
Create a culture of inclusivity in your workplace by promoting awareness and understanding of disability-related issues. This is likely to make your employee more comfortable and allow them to be themselves. Creating this type of culture may involve providing training or resources for your team and actively seeking out diverse candidates when hiring.
Be flexible:
Be open to adjusting your team’s processes and procedures to accommodate the needs of your employee. This may involve finding creative solutions or being open to trying new approaches.
Show appreciation:
Show your appreciation for your employee’s contributions and the value they bring to your team. Recognising and valuing their strengths and abilities can go a long way in supporting their success.
It is important to remember that every individual with a hidden disability is unique and may have different needs and preferences.
It is also important to be respectful and open to hearing their needs and finding ways to support them.
