The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) final rule. It will go into effect on June 18, 2024.
Since June 27, 2023, employers with 15 or more employees were required to provide reasonable accommodations for necessary changes to work duties in relation to an employee’s known limitations related to childbirth, pregnancy, or other related conditions.
The final rule further clarifies the meaning of “pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.” Read the full text here.
It also provides examples of reasonable accommodations, such as:
- Providing a stool for sitting during a shift
- Taking additional breaks to eat, drink water, or use the restroom
- Allowing an employee to telework
- Approving time off
Additional information in the final rule includes recommendations for documentation requirements, communication, and explanations of undue hardships for employers.
This article is informational and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with an employment lawyer or accountant for additional clarification on how these changes impact your company.
