Disabling accommodation barriers: A study exploring how to better accommodate government employees with anxiety disorders

What is it about?

This study explores how government staff with anxiety disorders can be supported in the workplace through the availability of accommodations on occasions where such support is needed.

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Why is it important?

From the study participants’ accounts, three key findings supporting desirable vocational outcomes become apparent. First, that the availability of ‘standard’ flexible work arrangements, along with personalised accommodations, can assist persons with anxiety disorders (where needed) to reach and retain government positions. Second, the chief barriers reported to making accommodation requests revolve around fears of being stigmatised and penalised. And finally, there is a need for managerial decision-makers to remain open-minded, particularly when assessing requests for accommodations that may break from government norms.