Practical Accommodations
Focus on the goal, not the method.
When the specific accommodation requested isn’t feasible, explore alternative approaches that could work equally well. For example, ask the employee to discuss options with their care team.
Employees bring expertise about their condition and needs, while employers contribute knowledge of operational requirements and available resources.
The sweet spot?
Where these perspectives meet to create solutions that work for everyone.
What employees value most: When asked about the most important workplace supports, people living with chronic conditions have clear priorities. According to HealthPartners’ research, 89 per cent rated flexible work arrangements (remote options/flexible hours) as important or very important, followed closely by supportive managers and coworkers (88 per cent), paid medical leave (85 per cent), non-discrimination assurances (74 per cent), and manager training on inclusion (69 per cent).14
“I’d like to see greater access to education, resources, and supports as people navigate a complex and imperfect system.”
— Christine Faubert, Vice President, Health Equity and Mission Impact, Heart & Stroke
Small investment, big payoff: Common accommodations quick reference 15,16,17
Simple adjustments can make a big difference for employees managing chronic conditions.
For fatigue and energy management:
- Flexible start/end times to accommodate peak energy periods
- Rest areas for brief recovery periods during the workday
- Hybrid or remote work options to eliminate commuting drain
- Task rotation to distribute physically or mentally demanding activities
14. HealthPartners Health Advisory Network Survey, 2025
15. https://askjan.org/
16. Accommodating an employee with limitations and restrictions
17. The Fundamentals – Accommodation Options – Canada.ca
For pain and mobility:
- Ergonomic chairs, desks, and equipment (like vertical mice and keyboard trays or sit–stand desks)
- Anti-fatigue mats for those who stand frequently
- Proximity to elevators, bathrooms, and break rooms
- Normalizing moving or stretching periodically during meetings
- Normalizing help-seeking or talking to trusted people by encouraging this behaviour and having leaders model it
“A vertical mouse, which is such a tiny ergonomic investment, is a literal lifesaver for someone like me.”
— Trish Barbato, President and CEO, Arthritis Society Canada
For concentration and focus:
- Quiet workspaces with reduced auditory and visual distractions
- Noise-cancelling headphones
- Written instructions to supplement verbal directions
- Breaking complex projects into smaller, manageable tasks
For treatment management
- Private space for medication administration or monitoring
- Flexible break schedules for medication timing
- Time off for medical appointments without penalty
- Refrigerator access for medication storage
For sensory sensitivities:
- Adjusted lighting (softer lighting, desk lamps, anti-glare screens)
- Scent-free workplace policies
- Flexible dress code to accommodate temperature sensitivities
- Options to use different meeting spaces on the basis of individual needs
These minor recalibrations are more than just nice-to-haves: they enable talented employees to perform at their best.
Beyond the office: Accommodations in every workplace
Chronic disease affects people in every type of work setting, not just office environments. Meaningful accommodations can be implemented across all industries and job types, often with surprising simplicity and effectiveness.
In construction, managers have replaced sugary meeting snacks with healthier options and provided customized personal protective equipment. Warehouse supervisors have reimagined shift rotations to accommodate varying energy levels. Retail and restaurant teams have developed subtle signals for when colleagues need backup.
A simple hand signal or specific phrase is shorthand for “I need some support or a quick break,” allowing team members to communicate needs discreetly
Emergency Medical Services departments have implemented more flexible break schedules, while manufacturing teams have redesigned workstations to reduce physical strain.