My Unseen Disability: How Workplaces Can Support People Like Me

In 2017 I had an injury that severely changed my life.

Before then I fancied myself as a rugby player and was an aspiring athlete. But I was forced to completely rethink my life and goals after having my leg rebuilt after a freak accident on the rugby pitch.

Now, on the 16th December 2023 6 years on, I am having what will be my 9th Operation on my left leg and what I am hoping will be my last for a significant amount of time.

The physical challenges of being in severe pain 24 hours are tough. But this doesn’t begin to shine a light on the mental struggles and barriers my conditions can have whilst trying to make strives in my career.

I was forced to rethink my career aspirations, the things I found value in and to this day still struggle to not compare every aspect of my life to what I was previously capable of.

Again I don’t want a pity party for myself, In my own journey of chronic pain I’ve found practising mindfulness and meditation to be a great help and know on my “tough days” where and what to seek comfort in.

At work, the biggest difficulty has been communicating about how it effects me. I tend to build up a mental picture of how the conversation will go and how “inconvenient” I will be. However Every time I have been open with a manager I have always been taken back by just how understanding people are and how much they will offer support.

So, I wanted to share my thoughts on how a business can help employees who struggle with unseen disabilities and foster an environment where we can all thrive together.

Embracing Inclusivity For All

In our quest for diversity and inclusion, it's vital to shine a light on a segment that often remains in the shadows: unseen disabilities.

These are conditions that aren't immediately apparent but can significantly impact an individual's work & personal life.

Creating an inclusive workplace for those navigating unseen disabilities isn't just a responsibility; it's a testament to an organisation's commitment to embracing diversity in its truest sense.

This is a topic I find challenging to write about as it means opening up about something I continue to find the most challenging in my own personal life. Opening up about my issues in part still feels like I am admitting that there is something “wrong” or “not right about me” but fostering a culture of openness is something I feel is incredibly important.

Luckily I managed to surround myself with an incredible support system of friends and mentors who have helped me keep sane and push through my own personal struggles.?

Understanding Unseen Disabilities

It is important to understand that unseen disabilities encompass a wide spectrum of conditions—chronic pain, mental health disorders, autoimmune diseases, and many more. These conditions might not have physical manifestations, yet they deeply affect an individual's daily life and work performance.

Breaking the Stigma

Through my personal experience one of the fundamental steps towards fostering inclusivity is breaking the stigma associated with unseen disabilities. This begins with open conversations and raising awareness within the workplace.

Encouraging a culture where individuals feel safe to discuss their challenges without fear of judgment is crucial. For me when I first came back to work after my injury, I had built up in my head that no one wants to hear about your pain and convinced myself that no one would care or that I was being an inconvenience. I would put off having conversations or would take on an increased workload just to keep the appearance of “everything is okay”.

Just through having conversations and breaking the stigma associated with unseen disabilities you can improve your employees quality of life tenfold.

Creating Supportive Environments

Accommodations and support play a pivotal role in creating an inclusive workplace.

Again for me personally I have never felt more awkward and been stressed than when I admitted I needed additional support. Flexible work hours, remote work options, ergonomic adjustments, and mental health resources are just a few examples that can immensely benefit employees navigating unseen disabilities.

When individuals feel supported, they can fully leverage their talents and contribute meaningfully to the organisation. I’ve put in an exceptional amount of extra hours into organizations that have supported me.

The Power of Empathy and Education

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “Empathy breeds Understanding” and “education acts as a bridge to Empathy”. Often people cannot understand what they do not see so educating teams about unseen disabilities fosters empathy and understanding.

Training programs and workshops can provide insights into the challenges faced by individuals with these disabilities and offer guidance on creating an inclusive work environment.

By fostering an empathetic culture, colleagues and leadership can forge connections beyond the surface. It's about recognising that everyone's journey is unique and that unseen disabilities don't define an individual's capabilities or value to the team.

I can’t express the amount of relief and impact it had the first time a manager told me “I can’t understand exactly what you’re going through Ellis, but I can empathise and I’m here to support however I can.” Education also empowers individuals to advocate for themselves and others, eradicating stigma and promoting a culture of acceptance.

Leading by Example

Leadership sets the tone for inclusivity. When leaders champion diversity and actively support employees with unseen disabilities, it sends a powerful message throughout the organisation. Their advocacy creates an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to thrive. This begins with authentic advocacy.

Moving Forward Together

Embracing inclusivity isn't just a one-time effort; it's an ongoing commitment. By continuously evaluating policies, listening to employees' needs, and adapting to create a more accessible workplace, we pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.

—

My last thought on the matter sits around my own personal experience. The impact the vast amount of small actions have made on my working life have felt huge, from words of support to openly discussing my injuries with colleagues, I have always gone above and beyond and remain incredibly loyal to the leaders I have worked with who have made my issues feel validated and understood.

Let's strive for workplaces that not only welcome diversity but celebrate it—where individuals, regardless of their challenges, feel seen, valued, and empowered to bring their best selves to work every day.

—

What Are Your Thoughts?

Let me know what you think of the article it’s a topic close to my heart. What have you done to make your workplace more inclusive? What’s made the biggest impact for you as an employee?

I’d also like to open my door for support, if you’re struggling to deal with any of the issues raised please reach out to me I am here to help where I can and am always happy to listen

#InclusionMatters #UnseenDisabilities #DiversityandInclusion #WorkplaceInclusivity #EmpathyAtWork

?