Glossary > Employment Law > Employment Rights > Harassment And Discrimination

Reasonable Accommodation

Reasonable accommodation is when an employer makes modifications or adjustments to the work environment, job duties, or processes to enable an employee with a disability to perform their job effectively without causing undue hardship to the employer.

Example #1

Providing a screen reader software to a visually impaired employee to access computer systems

Example #2

Allowing a flexible work schedule for an employee undergoing medical treatment

Misuse

An example of misusing the concept of reasonable accommodation could be an employer refusing to provide a reasonable accommodation to a pregnant employee who needs light-duty work even though it would not cause undue hardship. This can result in discrimination and harm to the employee's rights.

Benefits

By providing reasonable accommodations, employers create an inclusive work environment where all employees can contribute their skills and talents without being hindered by disabilities. This fosters diversity, boosts morale, and enhances productivity.

Conclusion

Reasonable accommodation is crucial for ensuring equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities in the workplace while also benefiting the overall work environment in terms of diversity and productivity.

Last Modified: 4/30/2024