Pregnancies can come with various challenges impacting an individual’s physical and emotional welfare. When health concerns go too far, they can also extend to the workplace, necessitating reasonable accommodations.
The law has provisions giving employees diverse options if their pregnancy-related symptoms are getting in the way of work. In these situations, they can request employers to make specific adjustments to help them continue performing their duties and earn a living. This process follows a series of steps to ensure the employer receives the request and acts in compliance with the relevant employment laws.
If you plan to file a reasonable accommodation request related to your pregnancy, you could go through the following basic steps:
- Inform your immediate supervisor about the needed adjustment, indicating if it is necessary due to a pregnancy-related health issue.
- Find out your requirements for the request, such as documents from your health care provider or other paperwork.
- Determine what accommodations can help address your circumstances, referencing legal resources to ensure compliance.
- Coordinate with your healthcare provider and employer. These discussions help give a better understanding of your needs, allowing your employer to learn how to adjust for you.
When asking for accommodation, the law protects you from any adverse employment decisions related to your pregnancy, such as demotion and termination. Additionally, an employer cannot charge you for your request.
What can I do against pregnancy-related discrimination?
Refusing your request and other discriminatory decisions can be unlawful based on the circumstances. In these instances, consulting an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) representative can help you decide what to do next. You can also seek counsel regarding further legal action to address the incident.