How to Negotiate with Your Boss
MODULE GOAL: To understand how to negotiate, what rights you have in the work place and how to advocate for yourself to get the accommodations that you need.
OBJECTIVES:
- To determine some of the pros and cons of disclosing your disability.
- To learn how to negotiate with a boss about receiving accommodations.
- To understand what rights you have as an employee with a disability.
- To identify ways to start the conversation when discussing your disability with your boss.
- What does it mean to negotiate?
- Is there any special language I should use to negotiate?
- What can I negotiate at work?
- When do I disclose my disability?
- Will everyone in the office know I have a disability?
- My boss is not listening to my request for accommodations, what do I do?
- Do I have any rights in the process of asking for accommodations?
What does it mean to negotiate?
When you think of negotiation, what pops into your mind? Dealing with a car salesperson, a seller of a house or maybe even a boss? All of those are examples of negotiation. This module will focus on negotiating with your boss and the process of doing so. Jenkins (n.d.) states that negotiation process presents “…an opportunity to define, communicate, and achieve what you want out of your job offer” (para. 2). Negotiation is an important skill, but it is not always an easy thing to do. It can be uncomfortable and awkward, but once you have the conversation you will feel better about advocating for yourself to be successful.
Is there any special language I should use to negotiate?
Examples of appropriate language:
- When asking for a meeting where you plan to disclose your disability, you might want to state: “I would like to arrange a meeting with you to discuss some personal accommodations.”
- When asking for a meeting in general: “I would like to get some time on your calendar to discuss_______. Please let me know some dates that might be good so we may be able to find a mutually agreeable time.”
*For more information or to hear the complete interview the link can be found here.
All job seekers have to be self-advocates and self-promoters, and they must believe in their skills and the contribution they can make to a business entity. This is even more important for job seekers with disabilities because employers may be inclined to focus on their limitations rather than on their strengths. (Luecking, Fabian, & Tilson, 2004, p. 90-91).
Examples of how to disclose in a positive manner:
- “My disability requires me to take frequent breaks in order for me to stay productive” (Costa & Smith, 2012, p. 1).
When do I disclose my disability?
Disclosure of a disability is a personal decision. An important consideration in deciding to disclose your disability or not is determining what accommodations you will need to be successful. The National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth, The 411 on Disability Disclosure highlights to youth to “…remember that it is not essential to divulge specific personal information about your disability. Your disability is only important if it affects (or can potentially affect) your ability to perform the essential functions of a job” (2005, p. 7-4). Employers want good employees, and in order for you to be the best employee that you can be, you may need accommodations at work and in order to get them may need to disclose your disability.
Will everyone in the office know I have a disability?
No. It is not legal for your boss to tell your co-workers that you have a disability. It is up to you to determine which co-workers you decide to disclose your disability. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission “…requires employers to take steps to ensure that medical records and information collected about employees and applicants is kept confidential” (Arizona Center for Disability Law, 2008, p. 40). Most people who receive accommodations have a disability, and as a result of sharing the accommodation, employers share the information that the employee also has a disability. Yet, there are certain cases when there are exceptions such as when “…an employer may tell a supervisor about necessary accommodations” (Arizona Center for Disability Law, 2008, p. 47).
My boss is not listening to my request for accommodations, what do I do?
When approaching your boss it is important to make sure that you have their full attention. Ask for a meeting time. Don’t try to “catch” your boss when they happen to be around. Schedule a meeting with your boss at a time that is good for the both of you will help make the conversation run smoothly and effectively. Legally, the boss should honor your request for accommodations if you are eligible to receive them. Remember, employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations such as: modified work environment, how the job is performed, scheduling, accessibility, modified or different equipment, interpreters altering policies or offering trainings (The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 2002).
Do I have any rights in the process of asking for accommodations?
As an individual with a disability, it is important to understand the rights you have to hold a job. The American Disabilities Act Amendments Act (2008) provides some protection under the law, but it is good practice to know your rights so you can advocate for yourself when looking for a job. After you have informed your boss of your disability and the need for reasonable accommodations, you protected under Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (2008) (Robitaille, 2008). Be prepared to provide information to your employer about workplace accommodations if your employer seems hesitant. The Employers' Practical Guide to Reasonable Accommodation Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), through the Job Accommodation Network, is an excellent resource which outlines reasonable workplace accommodations. It can be found here: http://askjan.org/Erguide/index.htm
- What is negotiable?
- How to start a conversation with your boss.
- Understand your rights as an individual with a disability under ADA.
- You can advocate for accommodations for yourself to a boss.
- How might you start off the conversation with your boss about needing reasonable accommodations?
- What law protects you from having your boss disclose your disability to others?
- What is your boss’ communication style?
- Where can I go to find out more about advocating for myself?
- What resources are available to me to help me determine if I’m eligible for accommodations in the workplace?