Accommodations at Work – When Work is Home and You’re the Boss

Accommodations at Work – When Work is Home and You’re the Boss

Workplace accommodations are often associated with employees who require support or adaptations in their workplace, due to a disability. Assistive technology, frequent breaks, and a quiet workspace are all examples of accommodations that may be helpful for people with a variety of needs. But what happens when you’re the boss, work is at home, and you require accommodations?

As a psychologist in private practice, I have noticed an increase in entrepreneurs seeking assessments in order to better understand their challenges so they can be more successful and productive at work.

While the specific accommodations that will be most helpful for you depends on a number of factors, including the focus of your work, the symptoms associated with your diagnosis, and your unique personal challenges, here are some examples of workplace accommodations that you can implement for yourself in your home office:
– Dedicated Workspace: Your dedicated workspace may change, depending on your mood, the season, or the time of day that you’re working; however, you should always aim to create a physical space that is quiet, comfortable, and free of distractions.
– Flexible Start and Ends Times: Many entrepreneurs who work from home can be flexible with their hours. Pay attention to the times of the day when you are naturally the most focused and productive and try to plan your day to align with those hours.
– Delegating or Outsourcing Tasks: Streamline your workload by outsourcing tasks that you find particularly challenging or time-consuming (e.g., email follow ups; file organization; marketing). Many people find it very helpful to hire a part-time virtual assistant for such jobs.
– Movement Breaks: Schedule movement breaks into your day, just like you would an important meeting. Bonus points if you can get outside for some light exercise at least once a day!

Finally, remember to have self-compassion. Working from home, especially as your own boss, is no easy feat! The courage and determination that fueled your journey to entrepreneurship are the same qualities that will carry you through the challenging days. Every new day is an opportunity to create a work environment that works best for you!

Blog Post Written by: Rachelle MacSorley, Registered Psychologist with Wildflowers