Workplace Accommodations for Dissociation and Trauma
Many people with DID or other dissociative disorders work. However, work environments are often designed for people who do not experience dissociation, trauma triggers, or fluctuating energy levels. Workplace accommodations are common and often simple. They are adjustments that can make work more manageable and sustainable.
Why Work Can Be More Difficult with Dissociation
Dissociation can create real challenges at work. Switching or internal system activity can contribute to difficulties with concentration and focus. As explained in the guide Why Is DID So Exhausting?, switching can also lead to fatigue.
Some work environments can also be triggering, which may interfere with functioning. All of this can leave employees expending extra effort to remain regulated, grounded, and productive at work.
What Workplace Accommodations Are
Workplace accommodations are adjustments to a job or the job environment that help employees perform essential job tasks. They are common across many disabilities and health conditions.
Although many people think job accommodations are only for physical conditions, they are also used to address mental health challenges that may affect focus, organization, and other cognitive tasks.
In many cases, accommodations are protected under disability laws. In the United States, they are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Many accommodations are small and inexpensive. They can also benefit employers by improving productivity and reducing employee turnover.
Common Categories of Helpful Accommodations
Accommodations are usually used to address specific challenges, such as sensitivity to sensory overwhelm, difficulty with organization, or the need for reduced hours. The following are examples of the kinds of accommodations that can be helpful:
Environmental adjustments
- quieter workspace
- noise-reducing headphones
- reduced interruptions
Task and organization supports
- written instructions
- task lists or reminders
- reduced multitasking
Scheduling adjustments
- flexible start times
- predictable schedules
- additional breaks when needed
How to Think About Which Accommodations Might Help
To help identify accommodations that might be useful in your situation, ask yourself:
“What part of work is most difficult for you right now?”
You might want to consider things such as:
- when work becomes hardest
- environmental triggers
- mental workload
- sensory stress
- communication needs
How Accommodation Requests Usually Work
Accommodation requests typically involve identifying the challenges experienced on the job and suggesting possible adjustments. This is usually discussed with a supervisor or, in larger companies, the human resources department.
People often focus on functional needs (that is, how accommodations could help with specific work challenges) rather than sharing detailed diagnostic information.
Resource: Identifying Possible Workplace Accommodations
To help people think through possible accommodations, CommuniDID has created a worksheet that lists common work challenges and possible adjustments.
This resource can help you:
- identify areas of difficulty at work
- explore possible supports
- prepare for conversations with employers
Download the resource here: Finding the Right Work Accommodations for You
Additional Accommodation Resources
You can find extensive information about job accommodations at the Job Accommodation Network (JAN). Their website allows you to explore accommodations by diagnosis or by functional challenge.
JAN provides ideas for workplace accommodations, legal information, and confidential consultation. Some individuals choose to consult with JAN before speaking with their employer.
https://askjan.org/
Small Adjustments Can Make a Large Difference
Sometimes relatively small adjustments can make a significant difference in how stressful or demanding your job feels. They may reduce the amount of energy you need to use simply to function at work. Accommodations can allow you to use your strengths while reducing unnecessary barriers.
Workplace accommodations are one of many practical topics that come up when you are navigating employment while living with dissociation. If you would like to explore broader questions about work, functioning, and dissociation, you can visit the DID and Work section of CommuniDID.