International Day for People with Disabilities: Adapting to life’s unpredictability with flexibility

As part of our series for International Day of People with Disabilities, we spoke with a dedicated Allianz Trade professional with over 20 years of experience. Having worked in various international roles, she shares personal journey of adapting to life with a rare neurological condition, highlighting the flexibility that have allowed her to continue thriving in her career. She also reflects on how small workplace accommodations have made a significant impact on her ability to manage her disability at work. 

Her story emphasizes the power of open communication, empathy, and the need for greater awareness to foster inclusive environments for all employees.

I have been working with Allianz Trade for over 20 years. I started my career as a lawyer and later moved to a role in the collection department. My current work focuses on international debt collection, particularly in Italy, South Africa, Switzerland, and Mauritius. I act as a liaison between clients and local BU to ensure effective collection processes. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to live and work abroad with my family, for example in Asia or Milan, which were enriching experiences.

About four years ago, I was diagnosed with a rare neurological disease. It affects the muscles controlling my eyelids, causing involuntary blinking, or keeping my eyes shut. While my vision remains 10/10, the condition impacts my daily life and work and is disabling. When something goes wrong, you need to trust yourself: even when doctors initially told me there was nothing wrong, I did research on my side because it is a rare disease and little known by doctors. I’ve learned to rely on my instincts which ultimately led me to a diagnosis. Thanks to the support of Allianz, I’ve been able to continue working despite the challenges my illness presents.

The change which helped me the most was the implementation of remote work during the covid period. I now work three days a week from home, which helps me avoid the exhaustion caused by commuting for example. When I’m in the office, I also adjust my workstation by lowering the blinds and changing the lighting to reduce strain on my eyes. My condition is invisible (people may just notice that I blink or close my eyes a lot) but so far everyone has been understanding, especially once I briefly explain the need to adjust the blinds for example. The flexibility my team demonstrated made it easier for me to come to work.

Otherwise, I haven’t needed special equipment or significant adjustments, but having the flexibility to work from home has been essential.

Initially, my condition wasn’t very visible, but as it progressed, people started asking blunt questions like, “Why are you blinking so much? Are you tired?”. This led me to be more open about my condition. Once I explained it, people became much more understanding.

Personally, the hardest part was my own perception of how others might view me. I worried about being judged or misunderstood, however, with the external support I needed at that moment, I’ve realized that most people don’t really care about it. It's often the mental barriers we create for ourselves that hold us back, not the way others perceive us.

At work, the most challenging moment was disclosing my condition to my manager. I chose humour to approach the conversation, and thankfully, my manager was incredibly supportive and accommodating. This positive response made all the difference and showed me how important it is to encourage a culture of understanding and support. If we normalize these conversations, we can change perceptions and create more inclusive, flexible environments.