Workplace adjustment: Overview, definition, and example
What is a workplace adjustment?
A workplace adjustment refers to changes or accommodations made in the work environment, job duties, or equipment to support an employee’s specific needs, particularly when those needs arise from a disability, health condition, or other personal circumstances. The goal of a workplace adjustment is to enable the employee to perform their job effectively and equitably, ensuring they are not disadvantaged due to their condition.
Workplace adjustments can include modifications to physical spaces, changes in work schedules, adjustments to job responsibilities, or providing assistive technology. These adjustments are often part of an organization’s commitment to creating an inclusive work environment and complying with laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the U.S. or similar legislation in other countries.
Why are workplace adjustments important?
Workplace adjustments are important because they help ensure equal access to employment opportunities for all employees, regardless of their physical or mental health conditions. By making reasonable accommodations, employers can help employees with disabilities or other challenges perform their job duties without unnecessary barriers, ultimately promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
Making workplace adjustments is also critical for legal compliance. In many countries, employers are legally required to provide accommodations for employees with disabilities, as long as it doesn’t cause undue hardship to the business. Ensuring that workplace adjustments are made can help avoid discrimination claims and create a more supportive, productive workplace for everyone.
Understanding workplace adjustment through an example
Imagine an employee, Sarah, who has a mobility impairment that makes it difficult for her to use stairs. To accommodate her needs, the employer makes a workplace adjustment by installing an elevator and moving Sarah’s desk to a location that is easily accessible by the elevator. This adjustment allows Sarah to continue performing her job as a customer service representative without facing physical barriers that might otherwise prevent her from accessing her workspace.
In another example, a company might provide flexible working hours as a workplace adjustment for an employee with a mental health condition, such as anxiety or depression. By allowing the employee to adjust their schedule to work during their most productive hours or to take breaks as needed, the employer ensures that the employee can fulfill their job responsibilities while managing their condition.
Example of workplace adjustment clause
Here’s how a workplace adjustment clause might appear in an employee handbook or policy document:
“The Company is committed to providing reasonable workplace adjustments for employees with disabilities or health conditions to ensure they have equal access to employment opportunities. Employees who require accommodations should contact the HR department to discuss their needs, and the Company will make reasonable adjustments unless it would cause undue hardship to the business.”
Conclusion
A workplace adjustment is a modification made by an employer to ensure that employees with disabilities or health conditions can perform their job effectively and equitably. These adjustments are crucial for fostering an inclusive workplace and ensuring compliance with relevant laws.
Providing workplace adjustments not only helps employees perform their tasks without unnecessary barriers, but also promotes a culture of inclusion, where all employees are valued and supported in their professional roles. Understanding and implementing workplace adjustments is an important step for employers in creating a fair, diverse, and legally compliant work environment.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.