Promoting diversity and inclusion through workplace adjustments: A practical guide

This guide aims to explain the concept of reasonable adjustments (“reasonable accommodation”) and provide practical step-by-step guidance on how and when these should be provided in the workplace.

The practical guide Promoting diversity and inclusion through workplace adjustments is the third module in the ILO’s Promoting Equity series and aims to assist employers of all sizes and in all economic sectors, to provide reasonable accommodation at all stages of the employment cycle.

Reasonable adjustments at the workplace, often times also referred to as reasonable accommodations, may include adaptations to the job, including modification of machinery and equipment and/or of an employee’s job content, working time and work organization.

Reasonable adjustments aim to provide equal opportunities for employees at the workplace, so their skills and talents can be used to full capacity. By recognizing and accommodating individual needs, companies create work environments that truly welcome the diversity of their staff and thereby contribute to greater business success.

This guide specifically supports employers in how to provide reasonable accommodation to workers with disabilities, those living with or affected by HIV or AIDS, pregnant workers and workers with family, as well as those who hold a particular religion or belief.

The guide takes managers and human resources professionals through the accommodation process sequentially, starting with an explanation of reasonable accommodation, followed by examples of the application of reasonable accommodation in practice. A model policy on reasonable accommodation is included as an appendix that can be tailored for use by companies of varying size, complexity and resources.