What do undue hardships refer to in terms of workplace modifications?

Undue hardships in the context of workplace modifications refer to accommodations that present significant difficulty or expense for the employer. In workspace accessibility and inclusivity discussions, the concept of undue hardship recognizes that while employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities, these accommodations must not impose an excessive burden on the operation of the business.

This can include factors such as substantial financial costs that would be detrimental to the company's financial viability or challenges that significantly disrupt the functioning of the workplace. The definition underscores the balance between the need to help employees and the feasible limits within which employers must operate.

For instance, a small business may find it unduly burdensome to install extensive modifications like an elevator when other, more reasonable accommodations could suffice. Understanding this concept enables employers and employees to engage in constructive dialogue about possible accommodations without overshooting practical and financial limits.