Ask clearly, without starting again
How to Ask for Reasonable Adjustments at Work
Asking for support can feel difficult, especially when it involves personal information. A clear request should explain the workplace barrier, the adjustment that may help and how the support should be reviewed.
A useful request explains
The clearer the request, the easier it is to respond properly.
A useful request explains
The clearer the request, the easier it is to respond properly.
Before you make the request
You do not need to have perfect wording before asking for reasonable adjustments. The aim is to explain what is making work harder and what support may reduce that barrier.
What is the barrier?
Describe the part of work, communication, environment, process or schedule that is causing difficulty.
What might help?
Suggest practical support, tools, changes or working arrangements that could reduce the barrier.
Who needs to know?
Think about whether the request should go to your manager, HR, occupational health or another agreed route.
What to include in a reasonable adjustment request
The work barrier
Explain what is difficult in practical workplace terms.
The impact
Describe how the barrier affects work, access, communication, focus, energy or participation.
Suggested adjustment
Say what change or support may help.
Who needs to know
Think about who needs to be involved in the decision or implementation.
Review point
Suggest when the support should be checked to see if it is working.
Record request
Ask for the request and outcome to be recorded clearly.
How to ask
In writing
An email or letter can help you explain the barrier and support clearly and provides a record of the request.
In a meeting
You can ask for a meeting with your manager or HR to discuss support needs. It helps to bring notes or a draft request.
Through a formal process
Some organisations have a specific form or system for reasonable adjustment requests.
What happens after you ask?
A good process should not leave you guessing.
Request received
The employer understands that you are asking for support.
Conversation arranged
You may be invited to discuss the barrier and possible adjustments.
Request reviewed
The employer considers what may be practical and effective.
Decision recorded
The outcome and next steps should be clear.
Support reviewed
The adjustment should be checked as work or needs change.
What to avoid
Over-sharing unnecessarily
Focus on relevant workplace barriers and support needs.
Being too vague
“Help with everything” is harder to act on than a specific barrier and possible adjustment.
Leaving it only verbal
Ask for the request, outcome and review point to be recorded.
Waiting until crisis
If possible, ask before the barrier becomes unmanageable.
How AXS Passport helps
AXS Passport helps you describe access needs and manage adjustment requests without having to start again every time.
Describe barriers
Explain access needs and preferences in your own words.
Request support
Ask for reasonable adjustments through a structured process.
Keep records
Maintain a clear record of what was asked for and what was agreed.
Manage review
Set review points so support stays relevant as work changes.
Ask clearly, without starting again
AXS Passport helps you describe access needs and manage reasonable adjustment requests, records and review in one clearer process.