About AbilityNet's Workplace Assessment Service

AbilityNet is a leading expert in working with employers and helping disabled people in their workforce be more comfortable and productive at work. Employers are legally responsible for ensuring their employees are adequately equipped to do their job, which includes making 'reasonable adjustments' to their workstation, but there are many benefits to our services:

• Improved efficiency
• Increased staff loyalty and retention - saving recruitment costs
• Improved recruitment processes
• Compliance with the law (Equality Act 2010) and lower risk of litigation.

How does a workplace assessment work?

Every person's situation is different and an assessment by a qualified professional is the first stage in identifying individual needs and recommending adjustments. It involves:

• Close observation of the client at work and their direct environment
• Confidential discussions focusing on the client’s job remit, relevant history and current circumstances
• An understanding of what is required and what the client would like to achieve
• An opportunity to try out recommended hardware and software solutions using AbilityNet equipment
• An in-depth discussion of the assessor’s conclusions

How much does it cost to make a reasonable adjustment?

• Physical adjustments might include new computer hardware or software, ergonomic furniture or specialist office equipment 
• Non-physical recommendations may involve changes to hours or conditions, a phased return to work or re-allocation of duties; job sharing or home-working.

Whilst the cost of recruiting and training a clerical grade member of staff is nearly £8,000 (CIPD), the average cost of a workplace adjustment is just over £700 (Lloyds Banking Group).  It simply makes good business sense.

The Government's ‘Access to Work’ scheme can also help with more expensive solutions – http://www.direct.gov.uk

Contact Us

The Assessments Service Team can tell you more about how AbilityNet can help your organisation meet its legal responsibilities and help your staff be more productive:

• Use the Assessment Services enquiry form to request more information - we'll call you back.
• Email: sales@abilitynet.org.uk
• Telephone: 01926 465 247