Working alongside disability
At the age of 25, Sophie was diagnosed with epilepsy. Initially, she tried to carry on with life as usual, brushing it aside and trying to maintain the demanding pace of her job. But over time, the seizures worsened - heavily influenced by the high-stress environment she was working in. It took a long time for her to truly accept that this condition was out of her control, and that it wasn’t her fault.
Eventually, her health declined to the point that she was signed off work. What followed was one of the most challenging periods of her life. Not only was she navigating the emotional impact of her diagnosis, but her mental health began to spiral. She felt like the life she had built as an adult had been completely uprooted. She genuinely believed she might never be able to return to a normal working life again. Until she found SWAP Internal Audit Services.
She applied for a role within the Head Office HR Team - a space she had always felt passionate about. From the very first contact, she saw SWAP wasn’t just another workplace. The recruitment process was transparent, understanding, and compassionate. For the first time in a long while, she didn’t feel judged for having experienced health issues, or for the gap in her employment. Instead, she was met with kindness and a genuine desire to understand and support.
Joining SWAP marked the beginning of a new chapter. The role she stepped into was newly created as part of the HR department’s growth, which meant there was room for mutual learning and shaping of the position. Sophie brought in external experience and fresh ideas, while being supported by the existing deep knowledge of the team, especially the HR Manager. It felt like a true collaboration from day one.
Despite the positive environment, returning to full-time work after being off for health reasons was daunting for Sophie. Her confidence had taken a hit - She doubted not just her ability, but even her intelligence at times.
Workstyle CIC supported Sophie’s manager and her to reimagine how they worked - tailoring their routines around individual strengths, preferences, and life realities. SWAP was pioneering inclusive work design, allowing freedom to work in ways that suit the individual, as long as the work gets done.
Alongside her line manager, Sophie began to adapt their working methods, exploring new tools and strategies that enhanced how they collaborated.
Sophie has blossomed ever since - not just professionally, but personally. She has had the chance to develop, to feel like a valued member of the team, and most importantly, to regain a sense of self-belief that she thought she had lost forever.
After three months, Sophie’s role was made permanent -a deeply emotional moment for her. It symbolised overcoming the barriers - both visible and invisible - that had once felt insurmountable. It showed her that thriving at work again was possible.
SWAP didn’t just give Sophie a job; It gave her a second chance at a meaningful career, in a way that honoured her needs, her abilities, and her potential. Sophie is very grateful for the work design that made this possible - for allowing people like her, who may not fit the traditional mould, to shine in her own way.
