When employers think about workplace accommodations, they often picture visible disabilities, yet many disabilities are not immediately apparent. Mental health conditions, ADHD, learning disabilities, chronic pain disorders, migraines, autoimmune conditions, and endometriosis can all affect an employee's ability to perform their job, despite having no obvious outward signs.
Workplace accommodation is rarely governed by a single set of rules. The company’s internal policies and agreements must be considered, along with any legislative obligations, including employment standards and human rights.
With back-to-school season upon us, it feels like the right time to go back to basics and help Forky ask a practical workplace question: “What does an employer need for an effective Accommodation Policy?”
As employers continue to refine their post-pandemic workplace strategies and the frequency of remote work requests is increasing, one question remains front and centre: when does an employee have a right to work remotely as an accommodation?
Most employers have returned to 100% in-office or hybrid work arrangements. At the same time, employees are increasingly requesting an accommodation in the form of remote work, particularly for disabilities and caregiving obligations. The reality is, however, that neither a disability nor a family status obligation creates an automatic entitlement to remote work.
Summer is peak season for many Ontario employers. Tourism operators, restaurants, retail stores, camps, agricultural businesses, and recreation facilities all rely heavily on temporary and seasonal workers to meet demand. While these roles may be short‑term, the legal obligations toward these employees are anything but casual. Ontario’s employment and human rights laws apply to temporary, seasonal, part‑time, as well as full‑time staff.
In January 2024, Classic FM ranked Mozart’s Symphony No. 41, Florence Price’s Symphony No. 1, and Beethoven’s Ninth as the top three in the greatest symphonies of all time[1]. Of the multitude of symphonies composed over the centuries, there are only about 100 recognized as the best, which is a sign of just how hard it is to create a successful orchestration that engages and is appreciated by the listener. Tastes differ, of course - but what makes a symphony great? It’s not just the notes on the page. It’s the coordination of all the moving parts: a well-drafted score, skilled musicians, clear direction from the conductor, and every part working in harmony. When one part falters, the whole performance suffers.
