Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA)
The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) is a new law that goes into effect on June 18, 2024. This law protects pregnant workers and those with pregnancy-related medical conditions, ensuring they receive reasonable accommodations in the workplace.
In summary, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act requires employers to offer reasonable accommodations to pregnant workers and those with pregnancy-related medical conditions. By complying with this law, you support your employees' well-being and create a more inclusive workplace.
What You Must Do & When:
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Assess Requests Promptly: When an employee or applicant requests an accommodation related to, affected by, or arising out of pregnancy, child birth or a related medical condition, you must engage in an interactive process to assess the request as soon as possible.
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Provide Reasonable Accommodations: Offer accommodations that are reasonable and do not cause undue hardship to your business. Examples include providing frequent breaks, allowing for lighter duties, or offering modified work schedules.
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Implement the Changes by June 18, 2024: All employers should have policies and procedures in place to handle requests for accommodations from pregnant workers or those with related medical conditions by this date.
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Keep Records: Maintain records of requests for accommodations and the interactive process to demonstrate compliance with the PWFA.
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Train Your Staff: Ensure that your managers and HR staff understand the requirements of the PWFA and how to handle accommodation requests appropriately.
Why You Must Do It:
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Legal Compliance: Adhering to the PWFA will help you avoid legal penalties and potential lawsuits.
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Employee Well-Being: Providing reasonable accommodations supports the health and well-being of your employees during pregnancy.
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Workforce Inclusivity: By accommodating pregnant workers and those with related medical conditions, you create a more inclusive and supportive workplace.
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Employee Retention: Offering accommodations can lead to increased employee satisfaction and loyalty, which can help you retain talented workers.
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Positive Reputation: Being known as an employer that respects and supports pregnant workers can enhance your company's reputation.