Under the ADA, what is an employer required to do if an employee requests a reasonable accommodation?

The correct response highlights an essential aspect of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which mandates that employers must engage in an interactive process when an employee requests a reasonable accommodation. This involves considering the employee's request seriously and evaluating it in the context of the workplace.

Employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities, as long as doing so does not cause undue hardship on the business. This means the employer must assess the request, consider the specific needs and circumstances of the employee, and explore possible modifications or adjustments that could enable the employee to perform their job effectively. If the accommodation requested poses significant difficulty or expense relative to the employer's size, resources, and operations, it may be considered an undue hardship, allowing the employer to deny that specific request. This careful balancing act ensures both the rights of employees with disabilities are protected while also considering the operational viability of the employer’s business.

The emphasis on the interactive process underscores the importance of communication and cooperation between employers and employees in identifying appropriate accommodations that meet the needs of both parties.