Create an Inclusive Workplace for Applicants and Employees with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Supporting someone with multiple sclerosis (MS) during recruitment or at work can involve a wide range of considerations, and knowing what reasonable adjustments may help is not always straightforward. This practical Multiple Sclerosis Reasonable Adjustments Guide helps employees, employers, managers and HR professionals better understand some of the symptoms and workplace barriers associated with MS, with practical examples of adjustments and support that can be considered around the individual’s needs. Whether you are preparing for a conversation about reasonable adjustments, recruiting someone with MS, supporting an employee at work or helping them return following a period of absence, the guide provides a useful starting point without having to research everything from scratch. Key Benefits of the Guide Understand how MS may affect someone at work and where workplace barriers may arise Explore practical reasonable adjustments around the physical workspace, working arrangements, tasks and individual support Prepare for conversations about an individual’s needs with more confidence Consider adjustments during recruitment, at work and when returning from absence Save time researching possible workplace support from scratch Includes an editable notes page for recording key points and considerations Suitable for employees, employers, managers, HR and health and safety professionals Supplied as an instant digital PDF download Understanding Multiple Sclerosis at Work Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition affecting the central nervous system. Symptoms can vary widely and may include fatigue, difficulty walking, numbness, muscle weakness, vision problems and cognitive changes, while the course and impact of MS can also vary considerably from person to person. The guide provides an overview of MS alongside examples of common symptoms, potential workplace barriers and tailored support. It considers how physical and cognitive changes, fatigue, the workplace environment, task demands and working arrangements may affect someone at work, as well as practical support that may help. This provides useful context for understanding how MS may affect someone at work before considering what reasonable adjustments could be appropriate for the individual. Reasonable Adjustments Throughout Employment The guide considers reasonable adjustments at three important stages, recognising that the support someone needs may vary depending on their circumstances. During recruitmentPractical considerations include considering the accessibility of the recruitment process and interview environment, offering flexibility where appropriate and discussing any individual support that may help the applicant participate fully. At workThe guide explores areas such as modifications to the physical workspace, flexible working arrangements, task modification, supportive technology, colleague awareness, emotional support where appropriate and other practical ways to reduce workplace barriers. Returning from absenceConsiderations include a supportive and adaptable return to work, reviewing working arrangements and tasks, considering any workplace modifications that may help and reviewing support as the individual settles back into their role or their needs change. Supporting the Individual, Not Just the Condition No two people will experience multiple sclerosis in exactly the same way. Symptoms can vary widely and may change over time, while their impact on someone’s work and the adjustments that may help can vary considerably. The guide encourages an individual approach by helping you: Consider the person’s role, circumstances and specific workplace barriers Explore adjustments and support that could help address their individual needs and workplace barriers Use the suggestions as a starting point for conversations rather than a fixed checklist Review support as circumstances or needs change Record relevant points and considerations using the included editable notes page The notes page includes separate areas for during recruitment, at work and return from absence, helping you keep useful information organised for future reference. The rest of the guide is provided as practical reference information and can be viewed on a computer or mobile device or printed for easy reference. How the Guide Is Structured The guide takes you from understanding multiple sclerosis and potential workplace barriers through to considering practical reasonable adjustments during recruitment, at work and when returning from absence, with an editable notes page for recording key points. Condition description Common symptoms, workplace barriers and tailored support Did You Know? fact page Reasonable adjustments during recruitment Reasonable adjustments at work Reasonable adjustments when returning from absence Editable notes page Need Broader Reasonable Adjustments Support? Our Reasonable Adjustments Bundles bring together practical resources to help you support a wider range of individual needs and put a more consistent approach to reasonable adjustments in place across your workplace.
