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Published on
11 Jan 2022

Building a Robust Accommodations Process Amidst RTO Mandates

Published on
January 21, 2025

Table of contents

As companies rush to implement return-to-office (RTO) mandates, many HR teams feel the pressure of managing a sharp increase in accommodation requests. Employees are asking for support with everything from remote work for mental health conditions to flexibility for pregnancy-related needs under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA). For organizations, this moment tests their ability to handle complexity while prioritizing the employee experience.

Managing accommodations during RTO isn’t just a logistical challenge—it’s a legal and cultural imperative. Without a transparent, centralized process, companies risk non-compliance, employee disengagement, and overwhelming strain on HR teams.

The High Stakes of Accommodation Requests

Accommodation requests are surging as employees adjust to the reality of in-office work. This wave reflects broader trends, including increased transparency about mental health, chronic illness, and caregiving responsibilities. Employees who may not have felt comfortable asking for accommodations are now stepping forward in more significant numbers.

For employers, the stakes are high. Mishandling requests can lead to legal risks under ADA and PWFA regulations and cause significant damage to trust and morale.

Why a Robust Accommodations Process is Non-Negotiable

Handling accommodations during RTO isn’t just about managing an influx of requests—it’s about setting up a process that ensures compliance, supports employees, and scales as your organization grows. This isn’t something you can tackle with ad hoc solutions or scattered spreadsheets.

Here’s what building a genuinely effective accommodations process looks like:

  1. Streamlined Request Handling: Every request needs to be tracked, documented, and consistently assessed. Without a centralized system, it’s easy to lose track of critical details or fall out of compliance with ADA and PWFA requirements.
  2. Employee-Centered Design: Employees deserve a clear, straightforward process for submitting their requests. If the process feels opaque or burdensome, employees may hesitate to ask for help or disengage entirely.
  3. Compliance and Documentation: Accommodations processes must align with complex legal requirements, from ADA confidentiality rules to timelines for responding to requests. Missteps can lead to lawsuits, fines, and reputational damage.
  4. Scalability for Future Needs: As the workplace evolves, so will the nature and volume of accommodation requests. A system designed for flexibility ensures your team can adapt without disruption.

Why Employers Are Turning to Disclo

Recently, a company facing an RTO transition turned to Disclo after realizing they were unprepared for the volume of accommodation requests they anticipated. In less than 24 hours, we helped them implement a fully compliant, employee-friendly process—just in time for their company-wide announcement.

Disclo isn’t just a tool; it’s a game-changer for HR teams. Our platform offers:

  • Centralized Case Management: Keep all requests and documentation in one secure, accessible location.
  • Automated Workflows: Reduce administrative burden with pre-built workflows that guide your team through every step of the process.
  • Compliance Safeguards: Protect sensitive information and ensure every action aligns with ADA, PWFA, and other regulations.
  • Employee Transparency: Give employees a supportive experience that fosters trust and engagement.

When managing a surge in requests, these tools aren’t just helpful—they’re essential to avoid legal risks and support your employees.

The Bottom Line

Setting up a robust accommodations process isn’t optional—it’s critical in the face of RTO mandates. The complexity and urgency of this task can overwhelm even the most prepared teams. Companies choose Disclo to simplify the process, protect their organization, and prioritize their employees.

Contact us today to ensure your accommodations process is ready for whatever comes next.

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Building a Robust Accommodations Process Amidst RTO Mandates

RTO mandates are driving a surge in accommodation requests, requiring employers to establish robust, compliant processes that prioritize employee support and legal safeguards. Disclo helps streamline this complex task, ensuring requests are managed efficiently and empathetically.

Team Disclo
January 21, 2025

As companies rush to implement return-to-office (RTO) mandates, many HR teams feel the pressure of managing a sharp increase in accommodation requests. Employees are asking for support with everything from remote work for mental health conditions to flexibility for pregnancy-related needs under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA). For organizations, this moment tests their ability to handle complexity while prioritizing the employee experience.

Managing accommodations during RTO isn’t just a logistical challenge—it’s a legal and cultural imperative. Without a transparent, centralized process, companies risk non-compliance, employee disengagement, and overwhelming strain on HR teams.

The High Stakes of Accommodation Requests

Accommodation requests are surging as employees adjust to the reality of in-office work. This wave reflects broader trends, including increased transparency about mental health, chronic illness, and caregiving responsibilities. Employees who may not have felt comfortable asking for accommodations are now stepping forward in more significant numbers.

For employers, the stakes are high. Mishandling requests can lead to legal risks under ADA and PWFA regulations and cause significant damage to trust and morale.

Why a Robust Accommodations Process is Non-Negotiable

Handling accommodations during RTO isn’t just about managing an influx of requests—it’s about setting up a process that ensures compliance, supports employees, and scales as your organization grows. This isn’t something you can tackle with ad hoc solutions or scattered spreadsheets.

Here’s what building a genuinely effective accommodations process looks like:

  1. Streamlined Request Handling: Every request needs to be tracked, documented, and consistently assessed. Without a centralized system, it’s easy to lose track of critical details or fall out of compliance with ADA and PWFA requirements.
  2. Employee-Centered Design: Employees deserve a clear, straightforward process for submitting their requests. If the process feels opaque or burdensome, employees may hesitate to ask for help or disengage entirely.
  3. Compliance and Documentation: Accommodations processes must align with complex legal requirements, from ADA confidentiality rules to timelines for responding to requests. Missteps can lead to lawsuits, fines, and reputational damage.
  4. Scalability for Future Needs: As the workplace evolves, so will the nature and volume of accommodation requests. A system designed for flexibility ensures your team can adapt without disruption.

Why Employers Are Turning to Disclo

Recently, a company facing an RTO transition turned to Disclo after realizing they were unprepared for the volume of accommodation requests they anticipated. In less than 24 hours, we helped them implement a fully compliant, employee-friendly process—just in time for their company-wide announcement.

Disclo isn’t just a tool; it’s a game-changer for HR teams. Our platform offers:

  • Centralized Case Management: Keep all requests and documentation in one secure, accessible location.
  • Automated Workflows: Reduce administrative burden with pre-built workflows that guide your team through every step of the process.
  • Compliance Safeguards: Protect sensitive information and ensure every action aligns with ADA, PWFA, and other regulations.
  • Employee Transparency: Give employees a supportive experience that fosters trust and engagement.

When managing a surge in requests, these tools aren’t just helpful—they’re essential to avoid legal risks and support your employees.

The Bottom Line

Setting up a robust accommodations process isn’t optional—it’s critical in the face of RTO mandates. The complexity and urgency of this task can overwhelm even the most prepared teams. Companies choose Disclo to simplify the process, protect their organization, and prioritize their employees.

Contact us today to ensure your accommodations process is ready for whatever comes next.

Curious to see how accommodations can support your employees?

Schedule a free demo today.
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