Just over a quarter (26%) of UK and global employees who disclosed their disability or condition to their employer have asked for workplace adjustments, according to research by Deloitte.
Its first Disability inclusion at work report, released to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3 December 2024), which surveyed 10,000 people with disabilities, chronic health or neurodivergent conditions in 20 countries, including 500 from the UK, found that the most common reasons for not requesting adjustments were a belief they were not necessary (35%), followed by fear of negative perceptions from supervisors (28%), and discouragement from past negative experiences (11%).
More than half (57%) of UK respondents had at least one request for workplace adjustments denied, compared to 74% globally. For those who had requests denied, cost was the main reason for this, as cited by 37% in the UK and 41% globally, followed by difficulties in implementation for 35% in the UK and 30% globally.
More than half (55%) of UK, and 48% of global, respondents who could work remotely at least some of the time said their home is more accessible than their employer’s premises.
Formal disclosure at work was high, standing at 84% in the UK and 88% globally, however, only 37% of UK respondents chose to disclose their disability to less senior members of their team and only 37% to others outside their team. In comparison, 70% chose to disclose to HR and 59% to a direct supervisor.
Jackie Henry, managing partner for people and purpose at Deloitte, said: “Despite employers being more aware of the importance of disability inclusion, this survey shows that there is much more to do. Employers need to proactively address barriers and cultivate an environment where employees feel supported in requesting adjustments. Accessibility and inclusion need to be embedded in all aspects of an organisation and its culture.
“We want our culture to be as supportive and inclusive as possible for all our people. An important aspect of this is creating a workplace where they have the tools and resources they need to reach their full potential.”
