Before speaking up about a problem at work, make a plan first to help you understand the situation and structure your thoughts to effectively propose your solution.
You can’t always get what you want, especially at work. But you can use negotiation skills to be more persuasive and get more of what you want by helping to find solutions that everyone agrees with.
You have the right to work in a safe environment. You are responsible for working in a safe manner and are protected by workers compensation in the event of injury.
Improving your self-confidence and communication skills can help you to be more assertive. Being assertive helps you to stand up for yourself and communicate your wants and needs.
Conflict resolution skills are important as they help you to resolve disputes in a healthy way. You can develop this skillset by cultivating a growth mindset, seeking support from others and focusing on emotional regulation.
It is your choice to disclose that you are autistic. You can also opt for a ‘soft disclosure’ and tell someone your workplace needs without directly using the word ‘autistic’.
You are entitled to reasonable adjustments to support you to do your job. Find out what you are entitled to and how to ask for it with practical examples.
You are entitled to minimum wage rates and minimum conditions of employment in your workplace to protect you. Find out what these entitlements are and how they affect you.
Workplace stress can negatively impact your physical and mental wellbeing. If you are feeling increased strain, exhaustion and/or burnout, you are legally entitled to receive mental health support services at work.
Tax and superannuation are compulsory deductions taken from your wages. Tax is a financial contribution paid to the government to fund services such as healthcare, education and welfare. Superannuation is a financial contribution towards your retirement.
Everyone has the right to be treated fairly and respectfully in the workplace. Bullying, harassment and discrimination can be unlawful and your workplace owes you a duty of care to avoid risk to your health and safety.
Learn how to engage in many types of work and learn the difference between volunteering and casual, part-time, and full-time paid roles that are available to employees.
You might find it helpful to seek professional assistance from an advocate, legal practitioner or union representative to help you with your workplace rights or entitlements and help you to advocate for yourself.
Developing your decision-making skills will help you to know what your strengths and weaknesses are and involves problem-solving, planning, prioritising and using past experiences to guide you in new situations.
Advocating for yourself at work might happen in different ways. Depending on the situation, you might need to make a phone call, attend a meeting, write an email or letter.
Self-advocacy is when someone communicates their views, needs, interests or rights. You can self-advocate to stand up and speak about a problem you are facing.
