Hidden Disabilities In The Workplace: Navigating Fatigue

It is estimated that in the UK in 2023 some 16 million people were disabled, including 23% of working adults. Of these, 70-80% are estimated to have invisible disabilities, also known as hidden disabilities.

In the past few years, we have seen an increase in recognition and awareness of hidden disabilities. For many employers, this has resulted in changes of policies and training, to assist managers in supporting their employees and identifying reasonable adjustments that may need to be made. Under the Equality Act 2010, employers may be required to make reasonable adjustments to support employees with disabilities, including those that are not immediately visible.

A common symptom experienced by people with hidden disabilities is fatigue, or extreme tiredness. In this article we will consider guidance on how hidden disabilities can be managed in the workplace and what employers should consider specifically for employees suffering from fatigue.