ADA

$954K verdict for refusal to allow telework

04/06/2026

Employers are required to provide disabled workers reasonable accommodations that allow them to perform the essential functions of their jobs. Sometimes, that means allowing the employee to telework when their disability makes it difficult or impossible to perform their work onsite. An employer has paid a high price for refusing to allow a disabled employee to telework.

Worker fired over high-risk pregnancy shows reach of PWFA

03/30/2026

A recently filed lawsuit against Google illustrates the need to train supervisors about their obligations under all pregnancy-related laws, including adjusting expectations when the pregnancy requires such adjustments.

Endometriosis may qualify as a disability under the ADA

03/16/2026

A federal court settlement over endometriosis sends a message to employers that they should not ignore accommodation requests involving female reproductive health and its complications.

EEOC warns federal agencies against cutting ADA telework accommodations

03/09/2026

Historically, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has served as a champion of telework as an accommodation for disabled workers. Now, it has issued new guidance in the form of an extensive Q&A for federal agencies.

Yes, you’re entitled to specifics about claimed disability

03/02/2026

Not all medical conditions that individuals have are covered disabilities under the law. To count, the individual must have a physical or mental condition that substantially impacts a major life function. That’s the test for whether employers must accommodate.

Solid job description key to denying accommodation after hire

01/26/2026

The Americans with Disabilities Act was passed to allow qualified disabled workers the opportunity to enter the workforce if they can perform the essential functions of their job with or without a reasonable accommodation. But employers shouldn’t assume a disabled applicant can’t perform the job even with an accommodation before they hire the otherwise qualified applicant.

Tackling the top HR problems in the first quarter

01/12/2026

The new year is here, and with it, the big HR headaches of the first quarter of 2026 are coming into focus. Here are some of the crucial issues we will be covering as the Trump administration enters its second full year.

Considering offering temporary telework? It needn’t become permanent

01/12/2026

Employers are often urged to determine reasonable accommodations quickly to avoid being accused of slowing the process as a way to avoid their obligations. But employers also naturally fear that if they temporarily approve an accommodation, they’re stuck with it forever. Fortunately, that’s not the case, as a recent decision shows.

Can employers drop telework accommodations for disabilities?

01/05/2026

Until recently, courts had been less willing to approve telework, concluding that employees must show compelling evidence that they can perform the essential functions of their jobs while working remotely. But post-COVID, that’s changed. If telework was feasible when it benefited employers, perhaps it’s reasonable when it is workers who need telework as an option.

EEOC lawsuit highlights how not to use a point-based absenteeism system

12/22/2025

A recently filed EEOC lawsuit against JCPenney highlights how employers must account for absences under an attendance point system. While such systems cut down on employees whose absence causes scheduling problems, managers and supervisors must be trained on how to handle call-offs that may be covered under the FMLA, ADA and PWFA.

ADA