In today’s workplace, making reasonable adjustments for employees isn’t just about tick-box compliance – it’s about creating inclusive environments where people can contribute fully and thrive. Yet, even well-meaning organisations often struggle when good intentions collide with policy, legal risk, and operational realities.
That’s why the Reasonable Adjustments in the Real World webinar – led by Jess Meredith of Differing Minds and our Founder and Managing Director Jodie Hill, is focused on helping HR leaders and people professionals navigate the grey areas of reasonable adjustments in practice.
Beyond the Basics: What ‘Reasonable Adjustments’ Really Are
Under the UK’s Equality Act 2010, employers have a legal duty to remove barriers that put disabled people at a disadvantage in the workplace. Reasonable adjustments can include changes to physical environments, work duties, working arrangements, recruitment practices, and more. What counts as reasonable depends on the context, including effectiveness, practicality, cost, and the organisation’s size and resources.
But knowing the definition is only the start. In the real world, the challenge lies in making these adjustments workable, defensible, and person-centred, especially when they intersect with safety concerns or long-standing internal policies.
Where Good Intentions Hit Real-World Barriers
One of the key themes of the webinar was that most organisations understand what reasonable adjustments are, but fewer feel confident applying them when they clash with other organisational priorities. For example:
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A manager wants to approve an adjustment, but a risk or health & safety team says no.
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Policies are rigid, and leaders aren’t sure how far they can flex them without creating legal exposure.
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Decisions rest on subjective judgments rather than clear, consistent frameworks.
This mismatch between intention and practical application often leads teams to default to refusal, or to adopt the same approach for every situation, effectively undermining the spirit of inclusion.
Real-World Frameworks Over Theoretical Checklists
Rather than offering another legal lecture or checklist, the Reasonable Adjustments in the Real World session prioritised practical judgement, thoughtful questions, and defensible outcomes. Delegates were guided through real scenarios where adjustments seemed reasonable but introduced complexity, such as safety restrictions or conflicting internal policies.
Learning to ask the right questions, like “Will this adjustment actually reduce disadvantage?” and “Where does flexibility exist without increasing risk?” – empowers decision-makers to respond with confidence and consistency.
Legal Safeguards and Practical Confidence
A recurring point was the importance of grounding decisions in both legal understanding and human insight. Reasonable adjustments are governed by law, and failing to handle them properly can expose an organisation to discrimination claims. At the same time, understanding the real lived experience of employees helps organisations make adjustments that genuinely improve working conditions.
For instance, common barriers, like rigid work patterns, inflexible physical arrangements, or recruitment processes that don’t accommodate neurodivergent needs, can be addressed in ways that are both lawful and inclusive.
A Human-Centred Approach to Adjustment Decisions
What came through most strongly from the webinar was this:
Reasonable adjustments should be as human and pragmatic as they are lawful.
Decision-makers shouldn’t default to denial when faced with complexity. Instead, thoughtful dialogue with the individual, clear documentation, and a consistent approach across cases build trust and reduce organisational risk.
Why It Matters for Modern Workplaces
Inclusive workplaces don’t happen by accident. They happen when organisations commit to understanding barriers and designing adjustments that work in real life: not just on paper. Navigating reasonable adjustments with confidence benefits:
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Employees, who feel supported and valued
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Managers, who have clarity and confidence in decision-making
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Organisations, which build stronger cultures and reduce legal risk
As workplaces continue to evolve, mastering reasonable adjustments isn’t just good practice, it’s essential for fairness, inclusion, and future-ready teams.
Register for this FREE Webinar here.
