Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) can impact all areas of life, including employment.
With the right support and coping strategies, many people can manage their symptoms at work and succeed in the workplace.
In fact, in the right job working can be highly beneficial for people living with OCD.
In addition to greater financial freedom and independence, having a job can build your confidence, expand your support network and improve your mental wellbeing.
What types of jobs and workplaces are good for people with OCD?
People living with OCD work in a wide range of job types and workplaces.
In most cases, living with OCD shouldn’t stop you from pursuing a particular job or career.
Most jobs can be adapted to suit your needs and improve your performance at work.
That being said, there may be some types of work environments that are more challenging for you than others.
Although it’s different for everyone, the best jobs for people with OCD tend to be low stress and flexible.
High stress environments can aggravate OCD symptoms, while low stress jobs may make it easier to manage your health.
Consider looking for jobs with some flexibility, such as allowing you to take time off for mental health appointments or working from home when you need to.
Understanding your own challenges and triggers is an important step when finding work that’s right for you.
For example, a customer facing role may be challenging if social interactions are a source of stress.
If unpredictability is difficult to cope with, you might prefer working in a role with clear expectations and structure.
Work experience and volunteer opportunities
Work experience or work trial placements can be a good opportunity to try out different types of workplaces to see if they’re a good fit for you.
If you haven’t had much experience in a workplace before, a work experience opportunity can help you build useful skills that you can take into your next paid job.
Volunteer work is a good way to gain employment skills while giving back to your community.
If you’ve taken time off work for your health and are looking to transition back into work, a volunteer position can be a good way to ease back in.
Both volunteer work and work experience can be included on your resume, and may help you stand out from other applicants.
Support for finding and holding down a job
There are a number of support services and financial supports in Australia that can help you as you work towards your employment goals.
- Disability Employment Services is a government-funded program supporting people living with injury, illness or disability to find and keep a job. Participants work one-on-one with an employment consultant to create a tailored employment plan. You can get help with things like finding job opportunities, applying for jobs, writing your resume and accessing workplace accommodations.
- The Employment Assistance Fund provides financial support for workplace modifications that help you do your job safely and properly.
For more information about employment support services you could be eligible for, contact your local Disability Employment Services provider.
Workplace challenges and coping strategies
OCD can affect every person differently. The right coping strategies, treatments and workplace support can make it easier to manage your health while working.
Common challenges at work include:
- Obsessive thoughts may make it difficult to concentrate at work. Scheduling apps, note taking software and organisation tools can help with focus, time management and memory.
- Workplace stress can aggravate OCD symptoms, but OCD symptoms can also be a source of stress at work. Taking regular breaks throughout the day and using mindfulness techniques can help with stress management.
- Compulsions can be highly time consuming or distracting, and may be difficult to manage if you work in a shared space. Requesting a private workspace, working from home or asking for more time to finish tasks can reduce some of the challenges.
- Some people with OCD find themselves avoiding certain tasks, people or places because of how they trigger symptoms. Redesigning your job role and removing stressors where possible can help.
- OCD can impact relationships at work. Communicating clearly with your team, and taking time off when you need to, will go far in strengthening your workplace relationships.
Workplace accommodations
Changes to your job duties, work schedule or workplace environment can make it easier to stay productive at work while looking after your health.
Workplace accommodations may include things like:
- Flexible work schedule
- Working from home
- Private workspace
- Software to help with organisation and memory
- Extra time to complete work
- Support person or animal
- Ergonomic equipment
In Australia, employers are legally required to make reasonable adjustments so that you can do your job properly and safely.
You and your employer may be eligible for funding through the Employment Assistance Fund to make reasonable adjustments at work.
Stress management and mental wellbeing
Stress can trigger obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours or exacerbate them.
Although avoiding stress altogether isn’t possible, knowing how to manage your stress can help you feel more confident and productive – whether you’re searching for work or already in a job.
Try using these stress management techniques:
- Keep up with your treatment plan
- Get enough sleep
- Take regular breaks throughout the day
- Practice mindfulness, meditation or breathing exercises
- Stay active
- Stay connected with your support team and loved ones
If you’re finding it hard to cope, it’s important to reach out for help. Having the right support in place can make all the difference.
Many people living with OCD find therapy to be helpful and empowering for work and other areas of life.
Planning for your future
Living with OCD can present challenges when it comes to finding work and holding down a job. But it’s possible to work on overcoming the challenges.
With the right support in place, most people go on to lead successful and fulfilling work lives.
Whatever your employment goals are for the future, getting the right supports in place now is the first step.
