The year 2020 was certainly challenging for numerous reasons; however, it did present a notable advantage—many employees who are disabled, chronically ill, or neurodiverse had the opportunity to work from home for the first time. After enduring years of rejected requests for accommodations and companies asserting that remote work was unattainable, suddenly, creating remote positions became a focus for organizations.
Fast forward four years, and while some companies, such as Spotify, embrace the myriad benefits of a remote workforce, others, like Amazon, are eager to push for a return to traditional office settings. Disability rights advocate Emily Ladau points out that despite many large organizations being keen to revert to what they consider “normal,” she encourages them to “not rush to discard the valuable changes implemented during the pandemic, as there is immense worth in permitting employees to work in a manner that suits their needs.”
For Ladau, along with countless individuals who are disabled, chronically ill, or neurodiverse, working remotely is not just a luxury—it is the crucial distinction between merely being employed and performing exceptionally well in a role.
Remote work offers advantages to both companies and employees
In the end, businesses are motivated by profitability, so it’s essential to state this clearly—remote work presents advantages not only to employees but also to their employers. Research indicates that remote workers are often more productive and engaged, which leads to companies saving money, experiencing reduced turnover, and being able to recruit the best candidates, rather than merely those who are geographically closest.
Remote work holds more significance than just a perk for those with disabilities, neurodiversity, and chronic illness
Prior to 2020, I was unaware that I was neurodivergent. I perceived myself as “quirky” rather than acknowledging it as a genuine struggle. Colleagues often remarked that I sought too much clarification, had the least adept “poker face,” and exhibited excessive passion (yes, that really happened). While each piece of feedback seemed harmless on its own, collectively, it was overwhelming. Feedback consistently seemed to target my identity and how I presented myself instead of focusing on the quality, quantity, or punctuality of my contributions.
This is where working remotely completely transformed my life. Before shifting to remote work, I would return home utterly drained from social engagements. Now, I find myself finishing my workday with energy left to spare. For the first time, I was no longer expending all my energy on camouflaging my true self, making myself smaller, quieter… less. I gained the time and mental space to process in my own way, allowing me to express the version of myself that I aspired to. Additionally, I finally had the energy and enthusiasm to truly enjoy my leisure time, resulting in me returning to work more rejuvenated and focused the following day.
Why remote work is exceptionally advantageous
Ladau explains, “The primary advantage of remote work is that it enables individuals to structure their day in a manner that is most effective for them. They can perform at their highest potential in their comfort at home.” For her, this frequently involves adjusting her seating position and taking breaks to have a snack as necessary.
For me, it signifies the ability to remove my mask.
When I work from home, I can position myself as needed, eat when I choose, step outside—whatever helps maintain my focus. My productivity and output enhance because I’m not occupied with the effort of performing through my expressions, posture, eye contact, and word choices. At home, I can manage all my sensory experiences, wearing noise-canceling headphones without being labeled as antisocial, and fidgeting with items during meetings that assist in my understanding without leading colleagues to believe I’m disengaged.
The influence of remote work on the disabled community
Thanks to the proliferation of remote work options, individuals with disabilities are achieving unprecedented employment rates, with post-pandemic jobless figures for this demographic among the lowest ever recorded. This is not a trivial population group. Approximately 25% of adults in the U.S. live with a disability, 15% to 20% of people globally identify as neurodivergent, and 129 million U.S. adults have at least one chronic condition.
While not every position can be performed remotely, for those that can, providing flexibility may be the crucial factor in attracting and retaining top talent.
Remember, for numerous individuals, remote work is not merely a trivial amenity like a coffee maker in the break room.
For some of us, it represents everything.
