Do I have to use the phrase reasonable adjustments?
It helps because “reasonable adjustments” is the recognised workplace term, but a request can begin in plain language by explaining what support would help.
AXS PASSPORT GUIDE
How to Ask for Reasonable Adjustments at Work
To ask for reasonable adjustments at work, explain the workplace barrier, describe the support that may help, and ask for the request to be recorded and reviewed.
You do not need to write a legal letter to start a practical conversation. A clear request should help the organisation understand what is difficult, what could change and what needs a decision.
Name the barrier
Describe what is hard in the role, not only the diagnosis or condition.
Ask for a change
Give practical options if you know what would help.
Keep a record
Use a passport-style record so support is not lost or repeated.
Direct answer
What to include when asking for reasonable adjustments
A good request connects the person’s need to a specific workplace barrier and a practical change. It should be clear enough for a manager or HR team to respond, but it should not require unnecessary personal detail.
AXS Passport helps by turning the request into a structured record: the barrier, the proposed adjustment, any evidence or assessment routes, the decision, the owner and the review point.
If a request needs more exploration, a workplace needs assessment, Access to Work resources or coaching may help identify realistic options.
| What to say | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| “This part of the role is creating a barrier…” | Keeps the conversation focused on work access, not personal judgement. |
| “The adjustment I would like to discuss is…” | Gives the employer a practical starting point. |
| “Can we agree who will respond and by when?” | Prevents the request from becoming open-ended or invisible. |
| “Can this be recorded and reviewed?” | Creates continuity if managers, roles or needs change. |
AXS-owned process
Make the request easier to act on
Reasonable adjustment requests can fail when they sit in email threads, depend on one manager’s memory or lack a review date.
AXS Passport gives the request a structure so the employee, manager and organisation can see what has been asked for, what has been agreed and what still needs action.
Practical checks
- Use plain language.
- Connect the request to work barriers.
- Avoid oversharing medical information unless it is needed.
- Record decisions and review dates.
AXS Passport
Need a clearer reasonable adjustments workflow?
AXS Passport helps people explain workplace needs once and helps organisations record, implement and review reasonable adjustments with more consistency.
Useful connected guidance
These pages give more context and connect this guide to practical support.
AXS PassportStructure reasonable adjustment requests, records, ownership and review points.Open guidanceReasonable Adjustments GuideUnderstand the legal and practical basis for reasonable adjustments.Open guidanceWorkplace supportConnect reasonable adjustments to practical workplace services.Open guidanceWorkplace Needs AssessmentsIdentify role-specific barriers, support and adjustment options.Open guidanceAccess to Work resourcesUnderstand possible funding and support routes for work-related needs.Open guidanceNeurodiversity CoachingSupport routines, confidence, communication and sustainable working patterns.Open guidance
Related insight articles
Further reading from Calling All Minds on this topic.
Two-week response deadline for adjustmentsWhy timely response systems matter for reasonable adjustment requests.Rethinking workplace adjustmentsWhy adjustment processes need to be practical, human and system-led.Maximising adjustment passportsHow adjustment passports work best inside a trusted process.
Questions people often ask
Short answers, written in plain language.
Should I ask my manager or HR?
It depends on the organisation. The important point is that the request is acknowledged, recorded and moved into a clear decision route.
Can AXS Passport help me ask?
AXS Passport can help structure the information so the request is clearer and easier to review.
External references
Last checked: May 2026.