The MFA DE&I Council would like to see an industry where everyone can thrive, feel heard, supported, and safe to do their best work. Let’s meet the Changers who are sharing their own lived experiences to inspire us all to change for the better.
Small Adjustments In The Workplace Can Make A Huge Difference
Bailey Reed, Investment Manager, Starcom Brisbane.
My name is Bailey. I’m 30 years old, and I’ve been working in the industry for around eight years. I am fortunate in life; I’m not in a wheelchair, I’ve never had to undergo cancer treatment, and I’ve never even broken a bone. Meeting me, you’d see a smart and bubbly young woman in the prime of her life.
What you don’t see is the invisible condition that drastically altered my life.
I am diagnosed with Narcolepsy (without cataplexy).
My condition means that I am always sleepy, no matter how much sleep I do or don’t get. My stamina is greatly diminished, so I have to ‘ration’ the use of my energy. (For example: I washed my hair tonight, so now I don’t have the energy to cook a proper meal).
I also often need naps throughout the day, and if I attempt to ‘power through’ I will be even more rundown in the days to come. I have no control over it and will suffer the consequences if I don’t listen to my body.
A chance to prove myself
Throughout my working life (in and out of industry), I have been met with resistance. Before diagnosis, employers believed me to be unreliable and unfit to progress or be promoted.
After diagnosis, employers believed me to be unreliable and unfit to progress or be promoted. Despite expressing a desire to progress and proving myself to be a valuable, thoroughly qualified employee, I’ve been denied opportunities many times, with no explanation given.
I believe myself to be an intelligent person, and I knew that I was capable of more. All I needed was a chance to prove it.
I am incredibly grateful that I’ve since been entrusted to manage a small team and (not to toot my own horn), I’m really good at it! My team is thriving, and my individual work output is as strong as ever. I only wish it hadn’t taken this long to get here.
Advice for leaders
There is little awareness of invisible illnesses in society, so it can be difficult to navigate in a work setting. Based on my experiences, there are four things I’d like leaders to consider:
- Just because someone needs to work differently, doesn’t mean their work is less valuable.
- Focus on the quality of the work output, not hours worked.
- Nurturing a working relationship that allows for open and honest communication is a great first step towards unbiased inclusion.
- Lived adversity can sometimes be an advantage. For me, I’m always finding more efficient ways to get things done to a high standard, because then I can spend the energy I saved on something else.
It may not be easy to overcome some of these unconscious biases, but I urge leaders to have an open mind. Sometimes the smallest adjustment to working practices can enable a great employee to thrive and exceed expectations.
To broaden your understanding of DE&I, complete the SBS Core Inclusion course – Australia’s leading online DE&I training course – available for free to MFA member employees. Access ends December 2023.