Behind the Scenes: Navigating Hidden Disabilities in HR Consulting

In this week's podcast, our HR Consultants shar their personal experiences of managing health issues and disabilities while holding senior roles. Key points included the necessity for open communication, flexibility, and building a supportive environment. They also addressed the challenges faced in the corporate sector such as stigma and the need for greater accommodation. Insights into the advantages and drawbacks of self-employment versus traditional employment were discussed, alongside the importance of gratitude throughout their journey.Participants & Experiences: · Sarah faced challenges related to fatigue and pain from an undisclosed illness. · Gemma dealt with impacts from degenerative disc disease and other diagnoses including ADHD. · Tracey transitioned to entrepreneurship prompted by her health condition. · Shelley spoke on the impact of disabilities on corporate perspectives and the importance of inclusion.Discussion Points: · Managing business expectations and client relationships while dealing with health issues. · The importance of disclosing conditions to foster understanding and support in client-facing roles. · Overcoming obstacles associated with hidden disabilities and how these experiences enrich professional and personal life. · The significant impact of workplace accommodations and the broader implications for corporate inclusion.Self-Employment & Consulting: The group examined self-employment and consulting, acknowledging the benefits of flexibility and autonomy, while also considering the challenges. They shared personal anecdotes to highlight the necessity for mutual support and networking within this framework. Listeners are encouraged to connect with Gemma, Shelley, and Tracey for support and advice on navigating business challenges related to disabilities.Contacts:Gemma Bromfield: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-bromfield/Tracey Jones: https://www.linkedin.com/in/traceyjones-lotusbridge/ https://www.lotusbridge.co.uk/Shelley Tierson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelleytierson/  Find out more about our Leap into HR Consultant Bootcamp coaching programme: https://bit.ly/LeapFTBCPConnect with Sarah Hamilton-Gill FCIPD on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/SarahHGLIBuy Sarah Hamilton-Gill FCIPD’s No. 1 Amazon Best Selling Business book as a paperback, audible or eBook: https://amzn.to/3HX8SjSJoin our Facebook Business Growth group: https://bit.ly/FBHRGrowVisit our website: https://bit.ly/WebLeapInto