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| Issue: |
Mary is undergoing radiation treatment for aggressive breast cancer. She is continuing to work during her treatment, but she has been coming in late in the morning and takes frequent breaks. She also works from home two days a week. Mary's coworkers have been complaining that Mary is receiving special treatment and that they want the same privileges. Can you explain to them that Mary is allowed flexibility in her work schedule and location because she has cancer? |
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Answer: |
No. By telling co-workers that an employee is receiving a reasonable accommodation for a disability, you are effectively disclosing the employee's disability. Rather than disclosing that the employee is receiving a reasonable accommodation, you should focus on the importance of maintaining the privacy of all employees and emphasize that it is company policy to refrain from discussing the work situation of any employee with co-workers.
Many of these kinds of questions may be avoided by training all employees on the requirements of the Equal Employment Opportunity laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. It may be helpful to explain the law's requirements in your employee handbook or in employee orientation or training.
Source: EEOC's Questions and Answers about Cancer in the Workplace and the Americans with Disabilities Act, http://eeoc.gov/facts/cancer.html. |
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