By Daniel Morgan-Williams, Founding Director of Visualise Training and Consultancy
Introduction
For employees with visual or hearing impairments, the correct workplace adjustment can be life-changing. For employers, it can be the difference between losing a skilled team member and retaining valuable talent. Occupational health professionals are in a unique position to recommend specialist workplace assessments that uncover these adjustments.
In this article, we share five real-world examples of adjustments that not only removed barriers but also transformed productivity, morale, and retention. These examples can be used to illustrate to HR and managers the tangible benefits of acting promptly and effectively.
Case Study 1: Screen Magnification and Lighting Changes
A finance administrator with age-related macular degeneration was on the verge of leaving her role due to difficulty reading spreadsheets. A specialist workplace assessment recommended high-quality screen magnification software, an anti-glare monitor filter, and adjustable task lighting. Within weeks, her accuracy improved, and her confidence returned. The adjustments cost less than two days of agency cover, yet saved the company from losing a decade of experience.
Case Study 2: Noise-Cancelling Headset and Captioning Software
A call centre worker with moderate hearing loss struggled to follow customer conversations in a noisy environment. The workplace assessment suggested a noise-cancelling headset and real-time captioning software for complex queries. Productivity increased by 30%, and customer satisfaction scores improved. The solution also reduced stress levels, leading to fewer sick days.
Case Study 3: Voice Recognition Software for Document Creation
A legal secretary with progressive sight loss was taking twice as long to produce legal documents. The assessor recommended voice recognition software, allowing her to dictate letters and contracts directly into the case management system. This not only improved output speed but also reduced eye strain and fatigue, enabling her to maintain her full workload.
Case Study 4: Workspace Reorganisation and Mobility Training
A warehouse supervisor with severe peripheral vision loss was struggling with navigation and locating stock. The assessment proposed reorganising stock placement for easier access, adding high-contrast signage, and providing short mobility training sessions. The result was a safer environment, reduced errors, and a boost in the supervisor’s confidence to lead his team.
Case Study 5: Remote Work Setup with Assistive Technology
A marketing specialist with sudden-onset sight loss was signed off sick for two months. A workplace assessment recommended a home-based workstation equipped with screen reader software, a large-print keyboard, and virtual meeting accessibility features. This allowed the employee to return to work part-time, gradually increasing their hours without the stress of commuting, and ultimately resume complete duties.
Lessons for Occupational Health Professionals
These five examples show that:
– Adjustments are often simple, affordable, and quick to implement.
– The proper assessment can identify barriers that even experienced managers might overlook.
– Retaining skilled employees protects institutional knowledge and reduces recruitment costs.
– Early intervention is key to preventing unnecessary absence or capability proceedings.
Conclusion
Workplace adjustments are not just compliance exercises — they are strategic tools for productivity and retention. By recommending a specialist workplace assessment at the first sign of difficulty, occupational health professionals can directly influence positive outcomes for both employees and employers.
Course of Action
If you identify an employee who could benefit from similar adjustments, refer them for a specialist workplace assessment. This ensures tailored, cost-effective solutions that meet legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010, while enabling individuals to continue contributing effectively.
To find out more or make a referral, visit https://visualisetrainingandconsultancy.com/workplace-assessmentsÂ
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