About Microlink

Accelerating Workplace Adjustments: Microlink pilot programme exclusively for BDF Members and Partners

Background

Employers across the UK are facing growing challenges in delivering timely reasonable adjustments for employees with disabilities, long-term health conditions, and neurodivergent profiles. Demand for occupational health (OH) services and Access to Work support has increased significantly, leading to long waiting times, delayed interventions, and avoidable impact on employee wellbeing and performance.

In many cases, adjustment processes have become overly complex and procedural, resulting in unnecessary delay, escalating costs, rising absence, and employee disengagement.

The Offer

Microlink will provide a six-month pilot programme for BDF Members and Partners enabling participating employers to rapidly support a small cohort of employees who are currently waiting for workplace adjustments.

The pilot will:

• Identify a defined group of employees experiencing delays in adjustment support
• Provide rapid assessment and practical, proportionate workplace solutions
• Deliver interventions without unnecessary procedural complexity
• Monitor and evaluate measurable business outcomes over a six-month period

Microlink brings over three decades of experience in delivering structured, outcome-focused adjustment programmes across both education and employment sectors. The aim is not to add complexity, but to simplify delivery while maintaining governance and quality.

Objectives of the Pilot

The pilot seeks to demonstrate that timely and streamlined adjustment delivery can result in:

• Reduced absence related to disability or health conditions
• Increased productivity and sustained performance
• Improved employee engagement and disclosure confidence
• Reduction in employee relations (ER) escalation
• Lower long-term adjustment costs through early intervention

Measurement & Evaluation

Throughout the pilot, anonymised data will be captured and analysed, including:

• Absence levels (pre- and post-intervention)
• Productivity indicators (where measurable)
• ER case trends
• Time-to-adjustment metrics
• Employee feedback and confidence levels

At the conclusion of the six-month period, findings will be consolidated into a formal case study demonstrating impact, business return, and scalability.

Strategic Intent

The purpose of this collaboration is to:

• Provide employers with a practical alternative to lengthy adjustment pathways
• Demonstrate that early, proportionate intervention is more cost-effective than delayed response
• Create an evidence base that encourages wider employer adoption
• Strengthen confidence in sustainable, outcome-driven workplace adjustment models

If you are interested in participating in this pilot and would like to find out more details including costs and practicalities, please contact – [email protected] or 02380 240 398.

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