Employers have a legal obligation to accommodate reasonable requests from pregnant employees on the job. Unfortunately, you might not be sure what constitutes a reasonable request. Understanding some of the typical accommodations can help you advocate for your rights and recognize when your employer is unaccommodating.
There are a few common accommodations that pregnant employees can request.
1. Work hour flexibility
Pregnancy often comes with physical discomforts, including fatigue and morning sickness. Additionally, frequent doctor’s appointments can interfere with work schedules. As a pregnant employee, you can ask for some flexibility to accommodate these needs. It will help you take better care of yourself and your pregnancy while still contributing effectively to your workplace.
2. Accessible facilities
Pregnant employees often struggle with increased needs for restroom breaks and a variety of physical discomforts. Employers should allow more flexible access to restroom facilities. You can also ask for ergonomic furniture to help ease some of the physical strain and improve your well-being at work.
3. Modified duties
The physical limitations that come with pregnancy can restrict employees from certain types of tasks. You can ask for accommodations if you need to adjust your work duties to reduce the time on your feet or your exposure to harmful substances. Additionally, pregnant employees should avoid roles requiring heavy lifting, so you should ask for adjustments accordingly.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists reports that more than 56% of pregnant individuals work full-time during pregnancy. Understanding your rights to accommodations will help you ensure your safety and well-being on the job during your pregnancy.