Dear Fairygodmentor®, Will Asking For An Accommodation Hurt My Career?

Advocating for yourself and career can be scary.

Dear Fairygodmentor®,

I have an invisible disability, but I’m afraid asking for support will hurt my career. What should I do?

–Capable but Cautious

Dear Capable,

You’re weighing two things that really matter: getting what you need to do your job and protecting a career that I’m certain you worked very hard to build. As you know, I’m a champion for self-advocacy in the workplace. I also want to make sure that I set you up for success in communicating your needs to your manager in a way that’s heard and acted upon quickly.

Who can you reach out to?

You can start with your direct manager, HR, or your company’s accommodation contact depending on its process and who you feel most comfortable approaching. In the U.S., an accommodation request doesn’t require special legal wording, though an employer may ask you for reasonable supporting documentation when the need is apparent. This may look like a note from your physician or other healthcare provider.

Start with the Work: Identify the specific barrier and what this change will help. For example, it could be a different meeting format, written instructions, adjusted scheduling, or another workable option. You don’t need to make your entire medical history the subject of the career conversation. Tie it back to the work and your productivity. How will this accommodation help you support the business better?

Speak to Be Heard: Use this script to sound capable and direct.

“I’m committed to delivering on this work. I’m running into a barrier with [specific task or process], and [specific change] would help me meet the role’s expectations. Who should I speak with about putting that in place?”

Prep for a conversation, not a perfect answer. Make sure you don’t leave that conversation without having a clear outline of workable options and next steps. I like to stress that following up in writing ensures that you both have a shared record of what was discussed and agreed upon. If the solution you both come up with doesn’t remove the barrier, say so and keep the conversation going until you reach a resolution. You’re not being insubordinate; you’re advocating for the support you need to perform to the best of your abilities.

Keep your career top of mind. We covered the accommodation piece. We don’t want to lose sight of your career aspirations either. Keep documenting your results and discussing your career goals with your manager like you normally would. One helpful follow-up question is: “What results would you need to see from me to be considered for the next opportunity?”

Remember this, Capable: Just because you asked for support in meeting your goals doesn’t mean you have to plan to remain stagnant in your career. You’ll want to make sure that management understands your plan to continue to level up.

Advocating for yourself and your career can be scary, but clearly communicating what you need to be most successful and productive makes your ask a win for both you and the organization.

You got this!

Yours truly,

Your Fairygodmentor®

About Joyel Crawford:

Joyel Crawford is an award-winning career and leadership development professional and founder of Crawford Leadership Strategies, a consultancy that empowers results-driven leaders through coaching, training, and facilitation. She’s the best-selling author of Show Your Ask: Using Your Voice to Advocate for Yourself and Your Career.

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