Under human rights law, an employer must accommodate an employee if a workplace policy or job requirement effectively discriminates against an employee on a prohibited ground.  The most common grounds of discrimination within the workplace include religion, family status and disability. Other grounds of discrimination include race, colour, sexual orientation, age, sex, and others. Under human rights law, an employer must accommodate an employee if a workplace policy or job requirement effectively discriminates against an employee on a prohibited ground. The policy or job requirement does not have to overtly discriminate to be in violation. There simply needs only to be a discriminatory effect. The only exception is if the workplace policy or requirement qualifies as a ‘bona fide occupational requirement’ (BFOR). In order for a policy or workplace task to qualify as a BFOR, there are three points that must be satisfied that the courts have established. Below are each of the points along with an explanation as it relates to workplace policies or job requirements.

1. The employer must show that the standard (policy/requirement) is rational in relation to the performance of the job.

This is a simple evaluation of whether the standard in question helps to fulfill a workplace goal. For instance, being able to lift 10 lbs. for an office worker may be required to access and retrieve large stacks of files. Having the requirement of being able to lift 10 lbs. in this case would qualify as a job requirement that rationally connects to the job.

2. The standard in question must have been adopted in an honest and good faith belief that it is necessary to fulfil the work-related purpose.

The employer must also adopt the standard with the belief that it will fulfill a workplace goal or function. Maintaining the above example, the requirement of being able to lift 10 lbs. of weight for the purpose of retrieving needed work materials (such as large documents, files, etc.) would qualify as a good-faith measure. Being able to retrieve files on a regular basis that one is required to work with is a work-related purpose that would require someone to physically lift a minimal amount of weight.

3. The standard in question must be reasonably necessary to accomplish the legitimate work-related purpose.

The final requirement is the most difficult to establish. In order to establish that the standard is reasonably necessary, employers must show that they would suffer ‘undue hardship’ by accommodating the individual. This step requires employers to explore alternatives that are less discriminatory and still accomplish the work related goal. Sticking with the above example, for a worker that cannot lift 10 lbs. due to disability, reasonable alternatives may include having other workers assist the worker when they are unable to lift the necessary documents/files, providing electronic files instead, or so on.
The idea is that it must be possible to accommodate the individual so that they can perform the essential duties required for their job. If this is not a possibility, then the employer has satisfied the requirements to establish the policy or work requirement is a BFOR. Typically, accommodation requires an employer to adjust working conditions so that the employee is able to perform the essential duties of the job. If the employer is unable to accommodate the employee to this point, then the burden of accommodation has been met.
Concluding Remarks:
Once a workplace standard is established as a BFOR, an employer is not required to accommodate. However, it is always advisable to explore alternatives to avoid unnecessary litigation. When exploring alternatives for accommodation it is essential that employers take an approach of good faith. This includes joint problem solving between the employee and considering doctor opinions if available. When in doubt, it is always best to seek the advice of an employment lawyer, as accommodation can present unique challenges that require legal expertise.