There are several rights that you have at work to protect you. There are many employment laws regarding discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, so you can work with dignity and security. One of these rights also has to do with getting reasonable accommodations if you have certain issues. Reasonable accommodations make sure that everyone, no matter their situation, can work effectively and safely.
Knowing your rights is the first step in asking for what you need at work. Laws like the ADA in the U.S. say that workers with disabilities have the right to changes that help them do their jobs. In this article, we will go over how to take advantage of these laws and get accommodations made for you at work.
1 – Identify your needs
Before you can ask for accommodations at work, it’s important to know exactly what you need. Think about the parts of your job that are hard for you because of your health or disability. With a quick evaluation of your needs, you’ll understand what changes can be made to help you do your job effectively despite your injury or disability.
If you need help understanding your needs, you might need advice from a doctor or other professional. They can explain what changes or tools will help you at work.
There are many different kinds of accommodations people ask for. Some people might need ergonomic chairs or desks because of back problems. Others might need to change their work hours because of their health. If you think you need help from an employment lawyer to get these accommodations, you can click here for more information on finding the right representation.
2 – Prepare the request
When you’re ready to ask for accommodations at work, it’s important to do it correctly. Start by writing a formal request. This doesn’t have to be complicated, but it should be clear and direct. In your request, explain what you need and why.
Your request should be easy to understand and professional. This means using clear language and being polite. There’s no need to have an antagonistic tone. As long as you relate why this accommodation is necessary and how it will help the work get done, most employers will have no issues fulfilling the request.
3 – Navigate the process
After you submit your request for accommodations, there are a few steps to follow. The first is to be prepared to negotiate. Your request might be approved. This means you’ll get the accommodations you asked for. Sometimes, your employer might suggest changes or different accommodations. This is when the negotiation phase sets in.
Ask for the reasons behind the denial. You can then respond or provide more information that might change their mind. Please keep the tone professional, but also let them know you are willing to escalate by having a lawyer take over. This usually changes the situation in your favor.
