State and Federal law provide provisions in which an employer must make an accommodation for employees in certain specific situations.  Understanding what those situations are, appropriately responding to the requests, and being mindful that the accommodation that the company is providing is not gutting the job duties and responsibilities of the position are all areas where companies sometimes make choices that increase their liability under accommodation laws.

In this episode of HR Power Hour, join co-host Tawny Alvarez as she talks to Verrill Labor and Employment Attorneys Elizabeth Johnston and Emily Waddell about not just understanding accommodation obligations, but also how to respond to requests to limit future liability.  That’s on the next HR Power Hour.

Liz Johnston: A regular contributor to Verrill’s Taking Care of HR Business blog, Liz handles a variety of employment matters including working with businesses of all sizes to ensure that their policies are in compliance with the latest legal updates and are working effectively for the organization in practice. Liz also advocates for clients facing claims before state and federal courts, the Maine Human Rights Commission, and the Maine Workers’ Compensation Board.

Emily Waddell: Emily provides tailored legal solutions to support her client’s human capital and organizational objectives. As a member of Verrill’s Employment & Labor Group, Emily uses her legal and business background to understand and solve complex employer and employee issues in the workplace. With her on-the-ground experience in labor arbitration, mediation, collective bargaining negotiations, and contract administration, Emily understands the importance of reliable legal support in high-pressure situations.