EEOC’s New Telework Guidance for Federal Agencies Offers Roadmap for Private Employers: Key Takeaways on Accommodation Compliance
As employers increasingly require remote workers to return to the office, many aren’t sure how to handle telework accommodation requests – but new federal guidance could start providing welcome clarity for employers. The guidance is meant to help agencies determine whether remote work is a reasonable accommodation in light of President Trump’s directive for federal employees to return to the office. Although the guidance is directed toward the federal workforce, the principles align with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which applies to private employers. Here is what employers can learn from the new guidance – and five steps you can take to strengthen your disability accommodation practices related to remote work. What Happened? The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued a joint technical assistance document on February 11 with FAQs addressing telework as a disability-related accommodation for federal workers...