Why remote working is perfect for people with disabilities

January 31, 2024 | Aids, Carer, Carers, Life with MS, Support

Since the Covid-19 pandemic shifted the goalposts in the world of work, more people are realising the benefits of remote and hybrid setups. On top of the added flexibility that naturally comes with home working, many professionals have noted higher rates of productivity due to the autonomy and potential time savings.

For people with disabilities, remote working offers additional benefits that can make professional roles more accessible to a wider range of workers. In this post, we explore three reasons why remote working is perfect for people living with a disability.

No more commutes

The daily commute can be a difficult experience for people living with a range of different disabilities. Physical disabilities can naturally make it more challenging to navigate public transport networks, and the strain of long car journeys can exacerbate any pain or discomfort.

But it’s not just people living with mobility problems that can find commuting strenuous. These journeys can also have a psychological impact, especially on neurodiverse people. Large crowds, loud noises and the general commotion that comes with commuting can contribute to feelings of anxiety and added stress – two things that aren’t conducive to a productive day’s work. No-one should arrive at work already feeling overwhelmed.

Without commutes taking their toll on our minds and bodies, people with disabilities are able to come into work each morning feeling less stressed and better prepared for the day ahead.

More opportunities in the job market

One of the key benefits of remote working is the opportunity to access a wider range of roles, with location becoming less of a determining factor. This benefits both employers and employees, since there’s a wider talent pool for companies to access, while professionals are able to work for companies that aren’t necessarily within reasonable commuting distance.

Evidence suggests that the shift to remote working has helped people with disabilities to both find and maintain employment, by lowering some of the traditional barriers to work. Having more choice over the type of roles available can only be a positive thing, and with remote working set to stay, the perceived lack of opportunities appears to be less of a prevalent issue.

Freedom over working environments

Although companies today are required to make reasonable adjustments to workplaces to accommodate employees with disabilities, working in an office still presents certain challenges. When employees are given the freedom to work remotely, they have the opportunity to work in an environment that better aligns with their personal preferences. Not only will this help to boost productivity and focus, but it will also go a long way to supporting mental and physical wellbeing, by ensuring comfort and convenience is top of the priority list.

It’s common for everyone to experience sensory overload in certain situations, but for some people, it’s a more regular occurrence, and a busy office space can certainly be an unhelpful trigger. Being able to design your working environment to your exact preferences can help to prevent sensory overload and keep you focused on the task at hand.

Article by Joanne Harris, 6XD Media.