perfectionism and - Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation

Some possible reasonable accommodations for persons with anxiety disorders, including obsessive
compulsive disorder (OCD) and hoarding disorder, include:
Allow a self-paced workload, flexible work hours, make-up time, part-time, or job sharing
Allow additional time to learn new responsibilities, training, or end-of-day clean up
Allow frequent or longer breaks, with backup coverage
Allow telephone calls or time off during work hours to consult with doctors and others for needed
support, counseling or therapy
Allow the employee control of his/her workspace
Allow the employee to take a break to use stress management techniques to cope with frustration
Allow the employee to tape record meetings and/or provide typed minutes
Allow the presence of a support animal
Allow working from home all or part of the time, and provide necessary equipment
Ask for and implement employee input
Develop a procedure to objectively evaluate the effectiveness of the accommodation
Develop strategies to handle problems before they arise
Develop written work agreements that include the agreed upon accommodations, clear expectations of
responsibilities and the consequences of not meeting performance standards
Divide large assignments into smaller tasks and goals
Do not require all employees to attend work related social functions
Educate all employees on their right to accommodations
Encourage employees to move non-work conversations out of work areas
Ensure employees are welcome to communicate openly with managers and supervisors without reprisal
Establish written long term and short term goals
Increase natural lighting or provide full spectrum lighting
Make daily To Do lists and check items off as they are completed
Move the employee to a private office or an area with less distractions
Plan for uninterrupted work time
Provide written flow-charts
Provide job coaches
Provide labels to help employee with filing or putting items away
Provide positive praise and reinforcement
Provide sensitivity training to coworkers and supervisors
Provide storage space the employee can control
Provide regular meetings with supervisors to discuss productions levels, where to put items, etc.
Provide written job instructions and checklists
Providing gradual updates on forthcoming changes
Recognize that a change in environment or supervisors may be difficult, so allow contact with the prior
supervisor to assist in an effective transition
Reduce distractions in the work area: provide white noise/environmental sound machines; allow
employee to play soothing music with a headset; use sound absorption panels, cubicle walls and doors
Refer the employee to counseling and employee assistance programs
Remind employee of important meetings and deadlines, and provide a calendar
Restructure the job to include only essential functions
Use electronic organizers, watches, and timers with prompts
Reasonable Accommodation
Marilynn Mika Spencer
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Employment Law Protection for People with Hoarding Disorders
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