Barriers are the problem, not people

Too often, when someone requests adjustments in the workplace, the spotlight shifts onto them as if they’re asking for special treatment or being difficult. But the real issue isn’t the individual. It’s the barriers we’ve put in place that prevent people from doing their best work.

These barriers show up in all kinds of ways – rigid processes, one-size-fits-all policies, outdated expectations or environments that were never designed with diverse needs in mind. When someone asks for a change, they’re not the problem. They’re often the first to point out where we’ve designed for the few, not the many.

Adjustments aren’t about lowering standards or offering advantages – they’re about equity. They’re about creating a workplace where everyone has the chance to contribute fully, comfortably and confidently.

🔹 Is remote work really a problem or an opportunity to support someone’s wellbeing and productivity?

🔹 Is assistive technology an extra cost or a smart investment in unlocking talent?

🔹 Is flexible scheduling a burden or a powerful tool to reduce burnout and boost performance?

When we remove barriers, we don’t just help one person – we make it easier for everyone to show up and thrive. And that’s how we build stronger, more inclusive workplaces.

The most successful teams aren’t made up of people who all work the same way. They’re made up of people who are supported to work their way. When we lead with flexibility and curiosity, we discover new ways of working that benefit everyone, not just those requesting adjustments.

It’s also about trust. Trusting people to know what they need and trusting that when they’re given the right tools and conditions, they’ll deliver. We spend too much energy policing the way things have always been done and not enough questioning what’s possible when we do things differently.

Leaders have an opportunity and a responsibility to dismantle unnecessary barriers to get the best out of their people. Inclusion isn’t a ‘nice to have.’ It’s a cornerstone of innovation, performance and long-term success.

By shifting our mindset from accommodation to empowerment, we create a workplace that doesn't just include people, it values and uplifts them.