Personal Sustainability Manual

The below outlines the specific accommodations and considerations needed to ensure I can work effectively.

To ensure our collaboration is productive and sustainable, I'd like to share some information about my circumstances and needs.

I am a primary carer for my mother who lives with dementia, and I live with CPTSD and ‘high functioning’ depression. These circumstances can impact my day to day energy levels and availability.

To maintain my wellbeing and ensure I can deliver my best work, I've outlined some key considerations below.

Barrier #1

Mental fatigue from extended periods of high-intensity work or back-to-back meetings

Access solution:

  • Breaking up intensive work sessions with short breaks

  • Building in buffer time between meetings

  • Limiting video calls to 45-minute to 1 hour max blocks where possible

Barrier #2

Unpredictable caring responsibilities that may require immediate attention

Access solution:

  • Flexibility to adjust meeting times when emergency care is needed

  • Understanding that I may occasionally need to reschedule at short notice

  • Clear communication channels for urgent updates

Barrier #3

Reduced cognitive capacity during depression flare-ups

Access solution:

  • Breaking complex tasks into smaller, manageable chunks

  • Written summaries of key discussions and action points

  • Regular check-ins to ensure mutual understanding and alignment

Barrier #4

Energy management across multiple responsibilities

Access solution:

  • Working core hours between 10:00am and 4:30pm

  • Scheduling intensive work during my peak energy times (typically mornings)

  • Building in recovery time after particularly demanding projects or periods

Barrier #5

Information processing during periods of high stress or fatigue

Access solution:

  • Clear, concise written communication

  • Breaking down complex information into digestible sections

  • Preference for asynchronous communication when detailed responses are needed

Barrier #6

Managing multiple commitments and deadlines

Access solution:

  • Advance notice of deadlines and project timelines where possible

  • Regular project status updates to maintain clarity

  • Clear prioritisation of tasks and deliverables

Additional Notes

  • I work best with clear objectives and regular check-ins to ensure we're aligned on expectations

  • I appreciate advance notice of meetings and deadlines to manage my energy effectively

  • I'm always happy to discuss alternative solutions that might work better for both parties

  • I value open communication and will be proactive in updating you about any challenges or needs

Communication Preferences

  • Email is best for detailed information and project updates

  • Quick questions are welcome via agreed messaging platforms

  • Video calls are perfect for complex discussions, but please note my preference for 1 hr max sessions

  • I believe in being transparent about these needs as it allows me to deliver my best work while maintaining sustainable working practices. I'm always open to discussing adjustments that might work better for all parties involved.

  • This document is a living one - I may update it as circumstances change or as I learn more about what works best.