Workplace Needs Assessment - A guide for employees

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 is a supportive and confidential process. It is carried out by a qualified workplace needs assessor with the aim of identifying any barriers you may be experiencing at work and recommending adjustments that enable you to work more effectively. 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 One?

Employers have a legal duty to provide workplace needs assessment 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 and 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.

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, share our employers page with them which has all the cost details and the benefits to them as well as explaining to process.

What Kind of Support Could Be Recommended?

The supports we recommend are based on your needs and job role, there is no one size fits all, however to give an example of some of the recommendations we’ve made before:

• Assistive technology (e.g. speech-to-text software, noise-cancelling headphones)

• Environmental changes (e.g. lighting, quieter space)

• Workstation set up (e.g. multiple monitors, printer)

• Flexible working arrangements

• Coaching, mentoring or skills training

• Manager education or team awareness (including clear communication and feedback methods)

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.

Do I Need a Diagnosis First?

No. You do not need to have a formal diagnosis to access a workplace needs assessment. If you’re facing challenges at work, that’s enough reason to seek support.

Is It 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.

Is This 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.

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 One?

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

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: 3 May 2025