What Are Some Examples of Reasonable Accommodation at the Workplace?
Our employment and labor law office in Allen, TX, has helped many workers in surrounding cities like Dallas, Plano, and Frisco. Some of the most common questions we get involve reasonable accommodations for disabilities and health issues.
The team at the Law Offices of Dan A. Atkerson would like to cover a few of the basics about reasonable accommodations and provide some clear examples of what the term means.
What Does “Reasonable Accommodations” Mean?
In the most basic terms, a reasonable accommodation at work is a change to the workplace environment or practices that allow a person to perform all necessary functions of their job.
This is a broad definition as it applies to many different groups who are differently abled, experiencing a temporary medical condition or ongoing health issue, or have certain faith-based practices they must adhere to.
Ultimately, these changes to the work environment should not impose an undue hardship on employers. That is to say these accommodations should not be prohibitively expensive.
Reasonable Accommodations for Workers With Disabilities
If a worker uses a wheelchair, reasonable accommodations would include accessible ramps, a desk that’s comfortable for a person in a wheelchair, and handrails in restrooms and other appropriate places in the office. Many of these accommodations are already part of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
If an employer fails to make simple accommodations for a differently abled worker, this is considered discrimination against a disabled individual.
Reasonable Accommodations for Pregnant Employees and Recent Mothers
If a worker is pregnant, one reasonable accommodation involves altering strenuous work duties to ensure the health of the mother and her unborn child. Similarly, there may be allowances for pregnant workers to sit while on the job instead of being on their feet all day.
For recent mothers who’ve given birth, a reasonable accommodation could be a private room (not just a bathroom) at work to use a breast pump.
When a workplace does not make these kinds of reasonable accommodations, they are likely engaging in discrimination against pregnant workers.
Reasonable Accommodations for Religious Practices
Religion plays an important role in many people’s lives. Some devout workers may need to pray during hours to be faithful to their religious beliefs. One reasonable accommodation for Muslim workers would be allowing them to pray at noon and at sunset. Some workplaces may even have a free room for prayer to accommodate people of different beliefs.
If a workplace is unreceptive or hostile to workers who are trying to practice their faith in a normal and non-disruptive way, this could be a form of religious discrimination.
When to Speak With a Workplace Discrimination Lawyer
If your workplace refuses to make simple accommodations that are inexpensive and reasonable, you should reach out to an employment lawyer.
We’ve helped numerous people in Dallas-Fort Worth who’ve been mistreated at their jobs. Our team is ready to listen to you.
Contact the Law Offices of Dan A. Atkerson
If you need to discuss an incident at your workplace with an employment attorney, we encourage you to contact our law firm in Allen, TX. Our team will provide advice on how to proceed.