The creation of an inclusive working environment is a continuous process that responds to changes in the working environment and in work policies. It influences team building and leadership strategies, it is a part of strategic planning. Therefore, an inclusive work environment is created by the actions and attitudes of…

TIP 1 Identify actions that are realistic, attainable and measurable: the reasonable accommodation Employers should work with employees who request accommodations to determine whether the accommodation is needed. Reasonable accommodation must be provided to enable a qualified person with a chronic disease to perform the essential functions of the job.…

Communication and compassion are critical. Chronic conditions may worsen over time. It’s important to monitor how the accommodations made are working, and whether they may need to be changed, or if additional modifications might be needed. Good companies understand that success includes treating people with respect and dignity, in sickness…

Establishing a return to work (RTW) policy and/or program of inclusion and stay at work is not difficult. Some companies already include many of the policies unofficially in the way they handle claims. It is important, however, to execute these programs correctly. Clear guidelines and specific, consistent policies must be…

The key for a successful manager, able to include all workers so as to improve the work ability in a company is the ability to do reasonable accommodations, not for just those who have special needs or suffer from one or more chronic conditions. But as a general rule to…

Modified work schedule and flextime Allowing flexible working hours or adapting total working time to fit the employee’s condition may be a reasonable accommodation unless it would cause undue hardship. This may include flexibility in daily working hours or working days of the week, or part-time work Modification or Purchase…