What is “Accommodation”?
Understanding Accommodation in the Workplace
Accommodation is when employers make changes so that everyone's human rights are respected.
Accommodation helps make sure that everyone can use programs and services. Accommodation also means that everyone can use the building, the workspace and all equipment.
At work, accommodation is a way to make sure that no person is kept out of a job because of their disability. It is a way to support people to do the jobs they are able to do.
Why do employers accommodate persons with disabilities?
Accommodation helps employers. It allows them to:
- hire and promote the right people for the right jobs
- support all employees to do their best.
Employers that accommodate persons with disabilities will:
- save money in the long run.
- improve how people do their work. For example, an accommodation could improve the layout of the work stations for all employees.
- avoid lawsuits. Being sued for breaking human rights law can be costly, is bad for a company's reputation and for working relationships and hard on employees.
What happens when employers accommodate persons with disabilities?
Accommodation is a process. When the process works well, here is what can happen:
- Talking about accommodation can improve the relationship between employer and employee.
- When an employer and an employee find the right accommodation, they create the best conditions for everyone.
- Employees who have the supports they need will be able to do their best on the job.
- Employees who have the supports they need will want to stay in the job long-term. A good fit between employee and job is always good news for employers.
