Job Requirements Like “Stand for Long Periods” Exclude Individuals with Disabilities
In 2020 I went through the worst year of my life. Among the many who experienced tragedy during the pandemic, I didn’t expect that, for me, it wouldn’t just be loss, but also my health. After contracting COVID-19, my life has never been the same. Though I have had a high functioning invisible disability throughout my life, a few weeks after contracting the virus I was the most disabled I have ever been. I was unable to leave my bed for periods longer than a few minutes to a couple hours without crippling fatigue. I slept 20-22 hours every day, and going to the grocery store would be my big event of the week. I would often black out when I tried to stand up, and no matter how many hours of rest I felt heavy with sleepiness. Like many other millions of people, I developed a condition called postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). This happened to coincide with my graduate school education and my soon to be adventure into the job market landscape. Little did I know, our job market for new graduates is no “walk in the park.”
Many college educated Gen Zers who have entered the market have discovered it is almost impossibly competitive. Many of the jobs listed are fake or placeholders known as “ghost jobs,” and lots of jobs require experience in the field, despite many college students spending their time in school focused on academics and have not had opportunities to gain the levels of experience many entry level positions require. These are small issues compared to an even greater predicament: blatant discrimination.
In today’s job market, many job postings include requirements that may seem standard but can inadvertently exclude a significant portion of the workforce.
One such requirement is the ability to “stand for long periods.” While this may be necessary for some roles, it’s crucial to understand how this seemingly simple criterion can be a substantial barrier for individuals with various disabilities.
The Impact on Individuals with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
For many people with disabilities, standing for extended periods isn’t just uncomfortable—it can be physically impossible. For example, POTS is a condition that affects the autonomic nervous system and can cause a range of symptoms, including dizziness, heart palpitations, and fainting when standing up. For individuals with POTS, standing for long periods can lead to debilitating symptoms and, in some cases, serious health risks. POTS has seen a notable increase in prevalence following the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people who recovered from COVID-19 have reported persistent symptoms such as dizziness, heart palpitations, and fatigue, which align with the symptoms of POTS. Emerging research suggests that COVID-19 may trigger or exacerbate autonomic dysregulation, leading to a rise in POTS cases. This phenomenon highlights the need for increased awareness and research into the long-term effects of COVID-19 on autonomic health. Since covid, therefore, the number of people who cannot stand for long periods has also gone up significantly. Some figures estimate that about 2 to 14 percent of the population have developed this disability since covid. That is millions of people.
Other Disabilities Affected by this Job Requirement
1. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): Individuals with CFS often experience extreme fatigue that isn’t alleviated by rest. Prolonged standing can exacerbate their symptoms, posing difficulties for jobs requiring prolonged standing..
2. Musculoskeletal Disorders: Conditions like arthritis or chronic back pain can make standing for extended periods extremely painful or unmanageable.
3. Spinal Cord Injuries: Those with spinal cord injuries might face challenges with mobility and endurance, making long periods of standing impractical.
4. Neuromuscular Disorders: Disorders such as multiple sclerosis or muscular dystrophy can affect muscle strength and coordination, posing difficulties for jobs requiring prolonged standing.
5. Pregnancy-Related Complications: Pregnant individuals, especially those experiencing complications or high-risk pregnancies, might find standing for long periods challenging or unsafe.
6. Heart Conditions: Individuals with heart conditions may experience symptoms like shortness of breath or dizziness when standing for too long, which can be exacerbated by job requirements.
Why Inclusive Job Descriptions Matter
Employers need to consider how job requirements might impact applicants with disabilities. By specifying the exact tasks and essential functions of a role, rather than general physical capabilities, employers can better assess the true needs of the job (bona fide occupational qualification (BFOQ)) and accommodate a wider range of candidates.
It is paramount that employers recognize how their businesses are excluding huge numbers of valuable employees. Here are a few ways that this can be mitigated:
1. Detail Specific Duties: Clearly outline the essential functions of the job and identify which tasks require standing versus those that do not, and consider whether standing is necessary, or “nice.”
2. Offer Flexibility: Where possible, provide accommodations such as sit-stand options or breaks for employees who might need them.
3. Promote an Inclusive Culture: Foster a workplace culture that values diversity and inclusivity for employees with disabilities, ensuring that all employees have the support they need to succeed.
4. Engage with Disability Advocacy Groups: Work with organizations that specialize in disability advocacy to better understand how to create an inclusive environment.
Data indicate that employees with disabilities have good attendance. According to Commonwealth of Massachusetts, “studies by firms such as DuPont show that employees with disabilities are not absent any more than employees without disabilities.” In fact, these studies show that on the average, individuals with disabilities have better attendance rates than their non-disabled counterparts. People with disabilities serve a huge portion of the workforce, and our participation is vital, yet employers are missing out on us being a key demographic.
Job requirements like “stand for long periods” may seem like a standard expectation, but they can unintentionally create barriers for individuals with disabilities.
By rethinking how these requirements are framed and offering accommodations, employers can tap into a diverse talent pool and create a more inclusive workplace. Embracing inclusivity not only benefits individuals with disabilities but enriches the entire organization by bringing in diverse perspectives and skills. If we want to continue to innovate and evolve, including people with disabilities is the next step towards better business.
Read more about the solution to the mental health crisis here
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