Tag @work magazine article

Can an employer accommodate a custodian who has a no heavy lifting restriction if the essential job functions include taking out trash, vacuuming, mopping, and moving furniture? To get to a yes in this situation, employers need more information. What one person considers heavy lifting might not be heavy for another, which is why individual assessments are not only required but also helpful for creating understanding between the employee and employer. Employers need to understand what “heavy” means for the employee and should clarify other vague work restrictions, such as “repetitive” or “forceful.”

When an employee makes a request for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the interactive process required by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission can be difficult to manage. Technology can help with some of the more challenging parts of the process — from staying compliant to improving employee engagement and retention.

More than 27 million cases of traumatic brain injury (TBI), a category that includes falls, motor vehicle crashes, and sports injuries, occur globally every year.1 Described as a silent epidemic, the injuries can be difficult to manage due to complex coding that affects claims and an outdated approach that may delay an employee’s return to work. While the data is daunting, there are things employers can do to prevent TBIs and support employees.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), a transfer or reassignment to a new job can be a reasonable accommodation. Employers may forget about this accommodation option — or may not be interested in discussing it — which can create a significant risk of liability.

While it could be years before psychedelic treatment for mental health conditions is included in employer-sponsored plans or insurance offerings, the groundwork is being laid for that to happen. Many people believe psychedelic medicines are following the path of cannabis, which is illegal under federal law though states have legalized recreational and medicinal use. This is an issue employers will want to watch.

While most absence and disability managers are familiar with the costs of absenteeism — an estimated $150 billion annually — some might not realize that employee presenteeism can cost 10 times more. Employers can have a positive influence on presenteeism by implementing strategic outreach, targeted communication, and by considering whether their culture encourages a sense of psychological safety.

Maternity leave is the most common reason for short-term disability absence. In addition to time off for recovery, some new mothers face unexpected challenges. That’s when coordinated benefits with broader coverage can be especially important for maternal and child health, financial well-being, and enabling return to work.

The leave and disability environment continues to change. The number of state statutes, new state disability programs, and accommodation changes should prompt employers to reorganize their company guidelines. To stay current, you must establish order, maintain organization, and update and replace outdated or “spoiled” policies.