
Ideas and dreams are the foundation for success and fulfilment By Chris Wright
Guest post
Apologies first of all but this post is all about me! As a full-time wheelchair user with cerebral palsy it is essential that I manage the effects of my disability effectively. I realise that I have been extremely fortunate to receive considerable support from a very large group of people; Family, friends, contacts etc. who have enabled me to achieve quite a lot so far including two degrees and the foundation of a consultancy business.
I am however aware that not everyone has been quite so fortunate as me. However, the basic ‘mechanics’ are still the same. I am sure that most people aspire to achieve particular goals but for career-minded individuals who have little or no choice but to manage their additional needs d in as effective way as possible, it is even more pivotal.
There are three essential points to consider:
- Flexible working can be highly useful in enabling people to get work done , manage their needs and work productively providing that there is little distraction within their workspace. Measures to combat work-life balance and social isolation such as physical activity (great for health anyway) and hot-desking periodically can help produce some of the negative effects of flexible working.
- Finding a role for yourself which is indispensable to businesses. This can often come about from own experiences and ingenuity. If you work around problems on a regular basis, you are best placed to offer workable solutions rather than purely regurgitating a textbook.
- Do something that you enjoy doing and have a clear path to get there. Use your networks as I mentioned in a previous post.
Talman HR and their partners can help in situations like these, we have a range of innovative solutions which deal with real-life considerations and demonstrate the business case for developing a truly inclusive workforce.
By Chris Wright MSc, Assoc CIPD
Director, Talman HR Limited
Tel: +44 (0)7903 193099
Email: chris.wright@talmanhr.com
Website: www.talmanhr.com