How to ask for workplace accommodations (and where to start)

Written By Nicholette Thomas

You know something isn’t working.

Maybe:

  • meetings feel overwhelming

  • tasks aren’t clear

  • your workload doesn’t match your capacity

But figuring out:
👉 what you need
👉 and how to ask for it

can feel like a lot.

WHY THIS HAPPENS

You’re trying to:

  • identify the problem

  • find a solution

  • communicate it clearly

All at once.

That’s a lot of pressure.

WHAT ACTUALLY HELPS

Break it into steps.

STEP 1: IDENTIFY THE BARRIER

Ask:

  • what specifically feels difficult?

  • when does it happen?

STEP 2: MATCH IT TO SUPPORT

Examples:

  • unclear instructions → written follow-ups

  • meeting overload → agenda in advance

  • focus challenges → flexible scheduling

STEP 3: WRITE IT OUT

Before asking:

  • clarify your needs

  • organize your thoughts

STEP 4: START THE CONVERSATION

Keep it simple:

  • what’s difficult

  • what would help

  • how it supports your work

CLOSING ✨

You’re allowed to ask for support.

If you’re not sure how to organize your thoughts around accommodations, having a place to map it out can help you feel more prepared.

The Workplace Accommodation Planner helps you identify your needs and structure that conversation clearly.

Nicholette Thomas
Previous

How to turn a plan into something you’ll actually follow
Next

What to do when your role at work feels unclear