Definition - What does Accommodation mean?
Accommodation, within the context of occupational health and safety, refers to a series of measures or needs required by employees that, due to a condition or disability, require special attention at the workplace to performed their job or task. The implementation of an accommodation enables an equal work environment for all employees regardless of any condition in a specific workplace.
SureHire explains Accommodation
Accommodation is regarded as a fundamental tool for the implementation of equal treatment. Accommodation is based on three factors:
- Dignity - people must be accommodated in a way that respects and maintains their dignity including privacy, confidentiality, comfort, and autonomy
- Individualization - the accommodation must meet and consider each person's needs and requirements
- Inclusion - to achieve integration, an inclusive design must be taken in order to remove and prevent barriers to allow all people to have access to their work environment
The most common accommodation in employment relate to the needs of the following:
- Disability - employees with disabilities
- Age - older employees
- Creed - religious needs
- Sex - pregnant women
- Family status - employees with caregiving responsibilities
