Case Study: Making Reasonable Adjustments At Work

Background

For more than 20 years, Lana (name changed to protect identity) has been living with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. Despite this, she has always been determined to work. After completing university and law school, she built a successful 15-year career as a professional carer. But everything changed when she experienced a severe nervous breakdown.

Lana was unable to return to her previous role. The long hours, constant travel and high-pressure environment were no longer manageable alongside her mental health. Still, she missed having structure in her life and knew that returning to some form of work would help her wellbeing. Eventually, she secured a new role working 20-hours-per-week.

Over time, however, things became harder. Lana’s depressive episodes grew more frequent, and alongside ADHD and peripheral neuropathy, staying in work became a real struggle. She felt unsupported by her employer, even when she asked for flexibility around absence policies. As her mental health declined in the lead-up to July 2025, she reached a breaking point.

“I was very poorly and felt on the brink of a breakdown… I felt unable to take the day off sick,” she recalls.

Pushing herself to continue working led to another nervous breakdown, and Lana was signed off by her doctor. Although she was determined to return, recovery felt overwhelming, especially without consistent mental health support. “In short, I was used to doing it by myself which is a very overwhelming thought when you are very ill.”

Meeting Tom at Groundwork

While signed off, Lana was offered an appointment with a mental health and work support team. This was her first step toward something different. Through this service, she was referred to Groundwork, where she met Tom, an IPS Employment Coach.

From the beginning, Tom took a patient, understanding approach. He recognised the challenges Lana faced with communication when her mental health was poor and made sure not to give up when contact was difficult.

“Tom didn’t give up on me… knowing that someone hasn’t given up on you… is HUGE.”

This persistence helped Lana begin to trust him, something she had struggled with for a long time. Tom created a safe, non-judgemental space where Lana felt heard and supported. He worked with her at her pace, helping her gradually rebuild confidence and take practical steps toward returning to work.

Together, they broke the process down into manageable stages. Tom helped Lana organise paperwork, prepare for conversations with her employer, and understand her rights around reasonable adjustments. He also provided consistent encouragement and reassurance, helping her overcome feelings of isolation.

“He’s been my wingman… his presence in my recovery has helped to alleviate my sense of isolation.”

One key moment came when Lana was invited to a Stage 2 absence management meeting, which could have resulted in a final written warning. Understandably, she felt anxious and uncertain. Tom stepped in to support her directly, offering to attend the meeting alongside her.

At the meeting, Tom advocated for Lana, ensuring her needs were clearly understood and that reasonable adjustments were properly considered. His professionalism and calm approach helped shift the tone of the conversation. With his support, the meeting was successful, and adjustments were agreed.

This was a turning point. For the first time, Lana felt that her situation was being taken seriously and that she had someone in her corner.

A healthy work-life

With the right support in place, Lana returned to work. Several months on, she is back in her role and feeling more stable. She now has greater confidence in managing her mental health at work and knows that support is available if she needs it.

Tom’s guidance has not only helped Lana return to employment but has also given her tools she feels were missing for many years. She feels more secure in her job and less anxious about the future, knowing that reasonable adjustments are in place to support her.

Reflecting on her journey, Lana is clear about the impact Groundwork and Tom have had.

“Groundwork… have provided me with the tools and confidence that has been missing for the last 20 years.”

Lana now feels hopeful about maintaining her role and continuing her recovery. She has already recommended the service to others and wouldn’t hesitate to do so again.

Her journey shows how the right support, at the right time, can make all the difference, not just in returning to work, but in rebuilding confidence, independence and hope.