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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To feel like some reasonable adjustments are actually unreasonable

308 replies

Tiredjusttired · 13/07/2025 20:10

Fully prepared to get flamed here, but please hear me out.

The small team I work in has an increasingly large proportion of people receiving workplace adjustments for disabilities such as ADHD, stomach issues, MS, depression, heart problems. The adjustments typically involve less workload, more time to complete tasks, less responsibility, less travel, priority for desk based tasks (while being paid the same as those with full responsibility and workload obligations).

My problem is that it means there is no capacity for the rest of us to catch a breath, undertake shadowing for professional development, or do general CPD, since the overall team workload has remained the same. I keep telling myself it is right my employer makes these adjustments, but it just feels so unfair. I’ve had to work so much of today to keep up with the workload. The ones without reasonable adjustments have to pick up the slack.

Does anyone else feel similarly? I guess I can take comfort in the fact my employer will hear me out when or if I have health issues myself, although the policy for menopause/pregnancy is very frugal. Currently, it seems a bit two-tier .

OP posts:
Aspanielstolemysanity · 13/07/2025 20:29

The adjustments only have to be made if it's "reasonable to do so" otherwise they aren't reasonable adjustments

(And I say that as a disabled person!)

CatCollector · 13/07/2025 20:27

UsingAMansNameInAWomensWorld · 13/07/2025 20:21

The issue isn't "too many adjustments" the issue is the boss not hiring an extra person or ensuring workload is shared properly etc.

Absolutely this
Also why are you "picking up the slack"
Who has told you to do this and why haven't you challenged it ?

NeedAnyHelpWithThatPaperBag · 13/07/2025 20:26

😩so now your workload needs some reasonable adjustments to compensate for others reasonable adjustments. How did society used to manage...

UsingAMansNameInAWomensWorld · 13/07/2025 20:21

The issue isn't "too many adjustments" the issue is the boss not hiring an extra person or ensuring workload is shared properly etc.

Overthebow · 13/07/2025 20:19

You need to talk to your manager about your workload, and also your CPD. Make it clear you are working overtime and are getting stressed trying to keep up with the workload. Don’t bring others into it, focus on yourself and ask what can be done to help you.

IReallyLoveItHere · 13/07/2025 20:19

If its a case of we have x widgets to make today you should be able to do your bit and push back on picking up the slack for others - they need to hire more people.

But YANBU, where I work its no longer reasonable, eg someone who simply cannot get in on time for a 10am client meeting due to ocd is told its fine rather than supported in figuring out how to mitigate, like leaving home earlier.

Truetoself · 13/07/2025 20:15

Those who need reasonable adjustments should have them. However, your employer should ensure that your workload does not increase as a result. If it does then the adjustments are not really “reasonable “. You need to bring this up with your employer.

SewingBees · 13/07/2025 20:14

This is a resource versus workload issue. Can you raise it with your line manager?