Workplace accommodations are adjustments or modifications that help individuals with disabilities perform their job duties effectively. If you have depression and it’s interfering with your job performance, below are possible accommodations as instructed by Job Accommodation Network (JAN).
Identify and Reduce Triggers
Tracking workplace triggers can help manage depression by identifying specific stressors. Keeping a journal to document depressive episodes and their causes enables you to better understand your needs and explore appropriate workplace accommodations.
Flexible Schedule
A flexible schedule can be working from home or hybrid, starting and ending work at a later time, combining breaks to have a longer break, or splitting up lunch hours to have more breaks. It could also be adjusting your schedule to work where you are most mentally alert.
Emotional Support Animal (ESA)
Bringing an ESA to work can help to bring comfort and support throughout the day. You must have a note from a physician or other medical professional stating that you have depression and that the ESA provides a benefit for your depression. Most ESA’s are dogs and cats but it can be any animal and it does not need specific training to become an ESA.
Support Person
Having a support person with you during important meetings to help ask questions or take notes can alleviate depression. The person can also help you navigate social events. The support person can be a co-worker, job coach, or close contact. Here’s information on having a support person as an accommodation.
Job Restructuring
Job Restructuring is an accommodation where the main duties of the job are reallocated or redistributed. The employer can modify the main functions or have it performed by one or more employees.
Accommodation by Limitation
Depending on the limitation, employers can provide devices or adjust the work area for the employee. Some accommodations include:
- Alternative lighting
- Apps for concentration
- Timers and watches
- Desk organizers
- Noise cancellation headsets
- Sun stimulating desk lamps
- Job coaches
For a full list of possible accommodations, visit JAN’s recommendations for depression.
Mindful Reminder
Be patient and kind with yourself. Depression looks different for everyone and it’s crucial to be compassionate with yourself as you determine what you need. Remember, these suggestions are guidelines, not absolutes. You are the best judge of what strategies work for you, and you can always adjust or modify your approach as needed. To ask for accommodations read How to Ask for Reasonable Accommodations at the Workplace and if you need to change your accommodations, refer to Accommodations Were Not Effective – Communicating With Your Employer.
Need Additional Help?
If you would like to speak to someone at JAN, here’s their contact page and below is their number:
- Voice: 800-526-7234
- TTY: 877-781-9403
Seeking Help
If you are depressed, anxious, or have panic attacks, find a health professional who can help you.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National can provide free referrals. They are open 24/7, 365 days a year.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact 988 for help. The calls are free, confidential, and they are open 24/7 to help you navigate difficult emotions.
Attend a Workshop
If you are interested in attending a live webinar on improving your relationship with your finances, please visit my events.
Related Posts
Job Accommodation Network. (n.d.). Curious about the ways employers accommodate workers with disabilities? Retrieved from: https://askjan.org/index.cfm
Job Accommodation Network. (n.d.). Depression. Retrieved from: https://askjan.org/disabilities/Depression.cfm
Whetzel, Melanie, Job Accommodation Network. (n.d.). Support person as an accommodation. Retrieved from: https://askjan.org/publications/consultants-corner/vol05iss01.cfm
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