This week, we examine a decision from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York addressing remote work requests and disability accommodations.
Remote Work and Disability Discrimination: What Employers Need to Know
A recent federal ruling clarified that denying a request for full-time remote work as a disability accommodation does not, by itself, constitute discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or the Rehabilitation Act.
Key Takeaways for Employers
- Interactive Process: Employers must engage in a documented, good-faith interactive process and consider reasonable alternative accommodations when evaluating remote-work requests.
- Essential Functions: Employers may require in-person attendance where it is essential to job performance, even in a post-pandemic workplace.
- Retaliation Risk: Even where denying remote work is lawful, retaliation claims may still arise based on the timing or circumstances of the denial.
In this episode of Employment Law This Week®, Epstein Becker Green attorney Eric I. Emanuelson, Jr., discusses what the ruling means for employers navigating remote work requests and disability accommodations.
Other Highlights
2026 Employment Law Changes: A Practical Guide for Oregon Employers
Insights
Courtney McFate, Rishi Puri, Carlie Bacon
2026 Washington Employment Law Update: Hiring Restrictions, Pay Transparency, Leave, and Workplace Safety
Insights
Courtney McFate, Rishi Puri, Carlie Bacon
Raising the Cost of Non-Competes: 2026 State Non-Compete Salary Threshold Changes
Trade Secrets & Employee Mobility
Daniel R. Levy, Gianna Dano
About Employment Law This Week
For employers navigating risk, workforce, and the bottom line. Employment Law This Week® delivers the employment and labor developments that matter—without the noise. Part of the Epstein Becker Green Insights Network.
Your Workforce. Our Business.®
As a trusted leader in U.S. employment law, Epstein Becker Green supports employers from a variety of industries in mitigating risks, safeguarding reputations, and enhancing bottom lines. Learn more about our employment, labor, and workforce management services.
Email Notifications
Follow Us
Never miss an episode! Subscribe to Employment Law This Week on your preferred platform:
Also on Audible | Deezer | Goodpods | iHeartRadio | PlayerFM | Pocket Casts | YouTube Music
More Like This
- EventsWork-from-Home Policies: Avoiding Employment Claims Under the ADA, FMLA, FLSA, and More2 minute read
- Publications2026 Employment Law Changes: A Practical Guide for Oregon Employers9 minute read
- Publications2026 Washington Employment Law Update: Hiring Restrictions, Pay Transparency, Leave, and Workplace Safety16 minute read
PublicationsCalifornia Employers’ To-Do List to Prepare for 202618 minute read
Publications2026 Family and Medical Leave Law Updates: What Employers in Seven States Need to Know17 minute read
