October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month in the United States, and this year we’re featuring two series of blog posts! To kick off the month, we started with this series, “Working with Disabilities,” to help you learn more about life experiences for people with disabilities in all aspects of employment. The other series, “NDEAM Topics,” features deeper dives into frequently asked questions and trickier topics. Both series aim to provide resources for both employees and employers and raise awareness this month.
Work-life balance applies to everyone, but can be significantly different for people with disabilities. Let’s explore.
Work-Life Balance Challenges
Several factors can contribute to the disparity in work-life balance between those with disabilities and those without. A recent study reports that workers with disabilities are more vulnerable to a work-life imbalance than those without disabilities, because they find it difficult to guarantee the quality of employment or job retention. However, many people with disabilities successfully achieve a healthy balance with the right support and accommodations.
First of all, chronic conditions or disabilities often result in fatigue, pain, or other health issues that can interfere with work performance and limit energy for personal life. Individuals with disabilities may have additional caregiving responsibilities, such as assisting family members or managing personal healthcare, which can significantly impact work-life balance.
At work, physical accessibility and technological barriers can make it challenging to navigate workspaces and complete tasks efficiently. This can lead to increased stress and longer working hours. While reasonable accommodations are legally protected (learn more about accommodations in our 101 post here), securing them can be a complex process. Inadequate accommodations can impact productivity and overall well-being.
Not to mention, negative attitudes and biases can create a hostile work environment, affecting morale and job satisfaction, and impacting life outside of work.
Creating Positive Work-Life Balance
The challenges people with disabilities face are not universal, and can vary widely. Many factors can contribute to a positive work-life balance for individuals with disabilities.
Prioritizing self-care and health can help individuals with disabilities maintain their well-being. Regular check-ups, medication management, and adequate exercise and diet management can support a healthy work-life balance. Physical and mental well-being is fundamental to our capacity to work effectively. Finding support through connecting with other individuals with disabilities or support groups can provide valuable advice, encouragement, and a sense of community.
Setting boundaries at work is crucial for many, by clearly defining work hours and allocating time for rest. Sometimes workers with disabilities feel they have to work harder than their non-disabled peers and may resist taking breaks. Informing colleagues and superiors about these boundaries helps ensure they are respected. Supportive workplaces and employers who prioritize accessibility, inclusivity, and reasonable accommodations can create a positive environment for employees with disabilities. Open and honest communication between employees and employers can help address challenges and find solutions.