Adjustments hub
Reasonable Adjustments at Work
Practical UK guidance on asking your employer to change something about how you work, and on putting that request clearly in writing. General information about the process — not legal advice, and not an assessment of your own situation.
What reasonable adjustments are
A reasonable adjustment is a change to a job, workplace or working arrangement that removes a barrier someone faces at work. Employers in the UK have duties towards disabled workers under the Equality Act 2010, and Acas and GOV.UK publish guidance on how the duty works in practice. Whether the Act applies to a particular person, and whether a particular change is reasonable, depends on individual circumstances — this guide cannot decide that for you.
Asking for an adjustment
You can raise it informally with your manager first. Many adjustments are agreed in a short conversation. Where the change is significant, ongoing, or has already been discussed without resolution, putting it in writing gives everyone the same record of what was asked for and when.
Examples of workplace adjustments
Common examples include changes to hours or start and finish times, working from home for part of the week, different equipment or software, a quieter desk or workspace, written follow-ups after verbal instructions, extra planning time, adjusted meeting formats, additional breaks, and different arrangements for absence related to a health condition. None of these suit everyone, and none is automatically appropriate.
Putting the request in writing
Say what you find difficult, what change you are asking for, and how you think it could work day to day. Focus on the barrier and the practical solution rather than diagnosis. Ask for a response and offer to discuss alternatives — employers often propose a different adjustment that meets the same need.
Discussing it with your employer
Expect a conversation rather than a yes or no. Your employer may want to understand the impact on your work, discuss timescales, or seek occupational health advice. Trial periods are common. Ask for whatever is agreed to be confirmed in writing, with a date to review it.
Information it can help to include
The tasks or situations affected; what you are proposing; when you would like it to start; whether it is temporary or ongoing; any supporting information you are willing to share, such as an occupational health report or GP letter; and how the arrangement could be reviewed.
Where to go next
- Reasonable adjustment examples by situation
- Adjustment requests and ADHD at work
- Adjustment requests and autism at work
- Working from home as a reasonable adjustment
- Flexible hours as a reasonable adjustment
- Flexible hours and flexible working requests
- Working from home request examples
- If an adjustment request is not resolved: raising a grievance
Prepare a personalised reasonable-adjustment request
Answer a few questions about what you find difficult and what would help. RightWords organises your points and prepares a clear written request based on the facts you confirm. Document preparation and general information — not legal advice.
Related guides
Sources and further information
Written by RightWords
Last reviewed: 10 September 2026
Information checked against current official guidance.
We do not provide legal advice or legal representation. If you require legal advice, please consult a qualified solicitor.