Beginning in 2015, pregnancy (even without disability) and new motherhood will entitle Illinois employees to reasonable accommodations. Illinois employers of all sizes will be subject to the Illinois Human Rights Act amendments. Similar guidelines have been issued by the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Accommodations and related issues are also exploding in the mental health arena. The work environment has become more stressful as a result of a difficult economy, high unemployment, reductions in force, and position eliminations.  There is an uptick in bullying, a rise in mental health and related physical symptoms, and more short and long-term disability and workers compensation claims. See Bulletin for more details.