What is a Workplace Needs Assessment? A Complete Employee Guide to Support and Adjustments

At Silk Helix, we believe that everyone deserves the tools and support to thrive at work. So many people tell us that they don’t know what adjustments to ask their employer for. A Workplace Needs Assessment is one way of identifying the adjustments you need to thrive. Whether you’re neurodivergent or simply finding certain parts of your job challenging, this guide explains what a needs assessment is, how it helps and what to expect.

What is a Workplace Needs Assessment?

A Workplace Needs Assessment (WNA) is a professional evaluation designed to identify barriers an employee faces in their role and recommend reasonable adjustments to overcome them. Unlike a medical fit-to-work assessment, a WNA focuses on the intersection of your specific thinking style or health condition and your physical and digital work environment. A workplace needs assessment is a non-judgemental, supportive and confidential assessment, carried out by a qualified workplace needs assessor. It’s not about diagnosing a condition or judging your performance, it’s about finding practical solutions that work for you.

Why Should I Have a Workplace Needs Assessment?

Employers have a legal duty to provide reasonable adjustments and a good employer will want to create an environment in which you can thrive. A workplace needs assessment helps them to do that by identifying what you need.

Ideally a needs assessment is carried out when you start a new role as a proactive way to make your work environment more comfortable, accessible and tailored to your individual needs. If that hasn’t happened we can do one at any time, the sooner the better.

As well as enabling your employer to provide you with the reasonable adjustments you need, it will help you to understand your own needs better and empower you to advocate for the tools and management styles that you need.

Do I need a formal diagnosis for a Workplace Needs Assessment?

No, you do not need a formal medical diagnosis to request or receive a workplace needs assessment. In the UK, the Equality Act 2010 protects individuals based on the impact of a condition rather than the name of the condition itself. If you are experiencing challenges at work due to neurodivergence (such as ADHD, Autism or Dyslexia) or a physical health matter then you are entitled to support.

Waiting lists for adult neurodiversity assessments can take years. By focusing on needs rather than labels, you can access support immediately. A needs based approach was recommended in the NHS Taskforce Report as it focuses on enabling success rather than simply identifying the challenges.

Who pays for the workplace needs assessment?

Workplace needs assessment are paid for by your employer. If you think you a workplace needs assessment would be useful then share our employer’s page with them which has all the cost details and benefits, as well as explaining to process.

What Kind of Support Could Be Recommended?

While every assessment is bespoke, recommendations generally fall into three categories:

• Environmental: Noise-cancelling headphones, ergonomic furniture or adjusted lighting.
• Technical: Dictation software, screen readers or specialised task-management tools.
• Procedural: Flexible working hours, “body doubling” sessions or written instructions for all verbal tasks.

These are just examples, although team awareness and training for managers goes into most of our reports as research shows this has the biggest impact.

Is a Workplace Needs Assessment Confidential?

Yes. The process is entirely confidential. You’ll be involved every step of the way and recommendations are only shared with those who need to know and only with your permission.

Will my employer see my private medical history?

No. A workplace needs assessment report focuses on “functional impact” rather than clinical history. The report will explain what you need to do your job effectively but it does not have to disclose your specific medical records or private health data to your employer without your explicit consent.

Is a Workplace Needs Assessment a Performance Review?

Not at all. A workplace needs assessment is not about assessing your ability or reviewing your performance. It focuses on removing barriers in your working environment so that you can do your best work.

How to prepare for your Workplace Needs Assessment: A Checklist

There is no formal preparation required however to get the most out of your session you may want to think about making some notes on the following:

• The “Energy Drain” List: Note which tasks leave you feeling most exhausted.
• The “Flow State” List: When are you most productive and why?
• Previous Successes: Have you used a tool or a way of working in the past that helped?

What Happens After the Assessment?

You and your employer will receive a report with clear, actionable recommendations. We recommend this is discussed with your manager or HR team. The goal is always to involve you in shaping any adjustments and make sure they’re implemented in a way that works for you.

What If I Feel Nervous About Asking for a Workplace Needs Assessment?

You’re not alone - many people feel unsure about speaking up. But feedback from employees who’ve had assessments shows how valuable and empowering they can be:

Thank you for writing such a detailed report and for conducting such a thorough sensitive and kind assessment. I felt really heard and supported..

Employee supported through a needs assessment

Why choose Silk Helix for your Workplace Needs Assessment?

We don’t do “tick-box” HR. We specialise in the intersection of neuroinclusion and business performance.

While many providers simply generate a list of hardware, Silk Helix focuses on the three pillars of a sustainable workplace: The Person, The Process and The Culture.

Neuroinclusive Expertise: Our assessments are carried out by Jenefer who understands the nuances of ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia and other neurodivergent profiles. Jenefer also has a background in HR ensuring she speaks the language of both the employee and the employer.

The “Human-First” Methodology: We look beyond software. We identify the communication styles, environmental factors and workflow changes that truly move the needle on productivity and mental well-being.

Actionable, High-Impact Reports: Our reports aren’t just vague suggestions. They are professional, evidence-based documents that provide clear, manageable roadmaps for HR and leadership to implement immediately.

Final Thoughts

A workplace needs assessment is a positive, supportive process designed with your success in mind. It helps you work at your best, feel more confident and take ownership of your working environment.

You don’t need to struggle in silence! If you think a workplace needs assessment could help, talk to your manager about your challenges and how you think a workplace needs assessment can help. Share our workplace needs assessment details with them. They can email assessments@silkhelix.co.uk for more information.

Article last updated: 13 January 2026