Allowing video meetings over in-person interactions

Allowing video meetings as an alternative to in-person interactions can significantly support employees with a variety of health conditions, including mental health challenges, physical disabilities, and chronic illnesses.

For individuals with anxiety, PTSD, or other mental health concerns, video meetings often provide a less intimidating, more controlled environment that reduces the emotional stress of face-to-face interactions.

People with physical disabilities or mobility impairments may also benefit from avoiding the physical strain or logistical challenges of travelling to meeting spaces, particularly if accessibility is limited.

Additionally, those managing chronic pain, fatigue, or fluctuating symptoms from conditions like autoimmune disorders or fibromyalgia can use video conferencing to participate more comfortably and consistently.

By offering a flexible and inclusive alternative, video meetings help reduce communication-related barriers and ensure all employees can stay engaged and connected without compromising their health.

How It Works

Employees are provided with the option to participate in meetings via video conferencing platforms such as Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams instead of attending in-person meetings.

This accommodation can be used for both regular team meetings and one-on-one interactions with supervisors or clients.

Benefits

• Reduced anxiety: Face-to-face interactions can be overwhelming for individuals with certain mental health conditions, particularly those with social anxiety, PTSD, or generalised anxiety disorder. Video meetings allow employees to communicate from a familiar and controlled environment, such as their workspace or home, reducing the stress associated with physical presence. Similarly, individuals with physical disabilities or chronic illnesses may avoid the fatigue, discomfort, or logistical challenges associated with navigating in-person meetings.
• Flexibility: Video meetings provide greater flexibility in terms of location and scheduling, which can help employees manage both mental and physical health needs more effectively. Those with mobility impairments, chronic pain, or conditions that cause fatigue—such as multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, or lupus—can participate in meetings without the physical strain of travelling or sitting for extended periods in potentially inaccessible spaces.
• Improved focus and comfort: Employees can experience a clearer visual and auditory connection without the distractions, sensory overload, or discomfort that might come with in-person interactions. This is beneficial for individuals with neurodivergent conditions such as ADHD or autism, as well as for those who experience physical discomfort in standard office settings. Video meetings also allow participants to control their environment, helping them stay more focused and at ease.
• Safe space for sensitive conversations: Sensitive or challenging topics (e.g., performance feedback, difficult decisions, health discussions) may feel less intimidating when discussed through a video meeting. For individuals dealing with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or mental health conditions, being able to control their physical surroundings can help reduce emotional distress and support more open, productive communication.

This accommodation supports inclusivity by allowing employees with disabilities to participate in workplace interactions without facing unnecessary stress from in-person engagements.

Allowing video meetings as an alternative to in-person communication is an important accommodation for employees with health conditions. It helps reduce the stress and anxiety associated with face-to-face interactions, promoting clearer communication and improving overall productivity.

This accommodation is cost-effective, particularly as many video conferencing tools are widely available and often free.

By offering employees the flexibility to attend meetings via video, employers can create a more inclusive and supportive work environment that accommodates the needs of employees with mental health challenges.

Funding for video meeting tools and associated accommodations is available through programs like NDIS, government grants, and EAPs, ensuring that employees with disabilities can access the resources they need to succeed in the workplace.