Technology

I see a lot of debate as to whether working in the office or working from home is better for xyz situations. I think it's important to recognise that we are all individuals, and we will all find different ways of working more beneficial for ourselves.

I am neurodivergent (not formally diagnosed but I have a family history of autism) and find working in an office to be extremely overwhelming and distracting. I prefer to be in my own home where I am comfortable and can control my surroundings precisely (light, temperature, background noise, etc). I have always been able to meet my work deadlines and have only been praised for my work and have also got pay raises for my performance whilst working from home.

My company was never planning on making people return to the office. However, my company got bought out by another company and we are now forced to come into the office at minimum three days a week.

My new company claims to want to "remove barriers for neurodiverse people working at the company" but is also saying "we all work better in the office". These two statements contradict each other as being forced to come into the office is certainly a barrier to many neurodiverse people including myself. I'm sure for a great many people returning to the office is beneficial but nobody can claim that this is better for absolutely everyone.

In my case I contacted an employment lawyer and they told me I may potentially have a case for being discriminated against for my disability. I was encouraged to formally submit a motion to change my contract to a permanent remote working one which, if this is rejected, I may be able to follow up with taking my company to court. My doctor, my company's doctor, and my company's lawyers currently all agree that this motion should be approved but I am still waiting on the final decision...