Reasonable Adjustments at Work for Autistic Adults in Guernsey

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This article is for autistic adults in the workplace; it explores your rights in Guernsey and how to identify support that helps you work at your best. 

Understanding Support at Work 

In Guernsey, the Prevention of Discrimination (Guernsey) Ordinance (2022) provides a framework for people with disabilities, including autistic people, to request reasonable adjustments. These are changes to the work environment or the way a job is done that help remove barriers. 

Every autistic person is different, and the support you need will depend on your specific role and work environment. The goal of any support is to help you work at your best and manage workplace demands effectively. 

What Could You Ask For? 

Here are just a few examples: 

• Executive Functioning: You might ask for instructions to be provided in writing rather than verbally, or for help with breaking down large projects into smaller, manageable steps. 

• Social Communication: You might prefer to receive feedback via email so you have time to process it, or you may wish to be excused from certain social activities, such as office parties. 

• Sensory Processing: You might find it helpful to have a desk in a quieter area, use noise-cancelling headphones, or dim the lights above your workspace. 

• Predictability: You might find it easier to work with a fixed routine and ask for advanced notice if a meeting time or a project goal is likely to change. 

• Processing Time: You might ask for a few minutes to process a question during a meeting before being expected to give an answer. 

Tips for Requesting Support 

You don't have to share details about your diagnosis to request support. Here are some tips:  

• Focus on the “why”: When asking for a change, explain how it helps your work. For example, “I find I am much more productive when I can use noise-cancelling headphones to block out background noise”. 

• Be specific: Instead of a general request, suggest a practical solution. For example, “Could we try having our 1-to-1 meetings in a quiet room instead of the canteen?” 

• Trial it: You can suggest trying a new way of working for a few weeks to see if it makes your tasks easier to manage. 

Further Reading  

For more detailed advice on thriving at work as an autistic person, please take a look at these articles: 

• Should I Tell My Employer I'm Autistic? Exploring the Pros and Cons of Disclosure at Work 

• The Benefits of Autism Awareness Training for Your Workplace 

• Six Simple Workplace Adjustments to Support Autistic Employees 

• The Workday Is Over, But I’m Still Exhausted: Energy Management After Work 

• Workplace Sensory Breaks: Why They Matter and How to Implement Them 

• How Social Scripts Can Help Autistic Adults in the Workplace 

• Introducing Personal User Manuals in the Workplace 

For more information about the Prevention of Discrimination (Guernsey) Ordinance (2022), visit the Employment and Equal Opportunities website at eeos.gg.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and guidance regarding workplace support and the Prevention of Discrimination (Guernsey) Ordinance (2022). It is not a substitute for professional legal advice. Because reasonable adjustments are assessed on an individual basis depending on the specific role and the employer's circumstances, we recommend consulting the Employment and Equal Opportunities Service (EEOS) at eeos.gg or a legal professional for advice on specific cases.