*Names have been changed.
Background
Max, an autistic individual, joined Autism SA, a non-profit organisation in South Australia, as a digital developer. Recognising the unique challenges faced by autistic individuals in the workplace, Autism SA is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive work environment for all its employees.
Challenge
Employees on the autism spectrum may experience sensory sensitivities and require a clear understanding of job expectations to thrive in their roles. For Max, the typical office environment posed certain challenges that could potentially impact his performance and comfort at work.
Supports
To address these challenges, Max and his manager collaborated to arrange several accommodations:
- Wearing sunglasses indoors: Max was sensitive to fluorescent lighting commonly found in office environments. To mitigate this, natural lights was utilised, and he was able to wear sunglasses indoors to reduce the glare and make the lighting more comfortable for him.
- Ink monitor: Traditional computer monitors can be a source of visual stress for some autistic individuals. Max was provided with an ink monitor that offers a paper-like display technology, reducing eye strain and making screen time more manageable.
- Clear timelines and performance indicators: To support Max’s need for structure, clear timelines for projects and transparent performance indicators were established. This helped him understand the expectations and manage his workload effectively.
- Flexible hours: Recognising his peak productivity in the mornings, Max was given the flexibility to work during these optimal hours.
- Hybrid work environment: Max was provided the option to work flexibly between home and the office, accommodating his preference for varied work settings depending on his specific needs for the day.
- Neurodiversity training: To foster an understanding work environment, Max and his colleagues participated in inclusion training.
- Streamlined accommodation process: The process for requesting and implementing accommodations was made easy to maximise productivity.
Results
The accommodations made for Max led to several positive outcomes:
- Improved comfort and productivity: With the sensory accommodations in place, Max was able to work in a more comfortable environment, which significantly improved his productivity and the quality of his work.
- Enhanced job satisfaction: The clear timelines and performance indicators provided Max with a sense of security and structure, leading to greater job satisfaction and engagement.
- Positive team dynamics: The efforts to accommodate Max’s needs also raised awareness among his colleagues about autism, leading to a more inclusive team culture and better collaboration.
Max’s case is a testament to the effectiveness of workplace accommodations in supporting autistic employees. By taking proactive steps to address specific needs, Autism SA not only enhanced Max’s work experience but also set a standard for inclusivity within the organisation. This case study illustrates how tailored accommodations can result in a more productive, satisfied, and cohesive workforce, ultimately benefiting the organisation as a whole.
The image used in this blog is sourced from Unsplash.