Spike in Accommodation Complaints Increases Employers’ EPL Risk

This report discusses the rising frequency of employment practices liability (EPL) complaints against employers, which have returned to pre-pandemic levels. It identifies three categories of complaints that have reached all-time highs, specifically focusing on the increase in complaints related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and religious accommodations. The report outlines the obligations of employers to provide reasonable accommodations and highlights the challenges they face, including the rising severity of claims driven by social inflation. It emphasizes the importance of best practices for mitigating EPL risks, such as reviewing employee handbooks, keeping accommodation requests confidential, and supporting employees' mental health. The report also suggests that retail agents should evaluate organizational policies to secure appropriate EPL insurance coverage, with guidance from experts in the field. Overall, the document serves as a resource for understanding the implications of increased accommodation requests and the associated risks for employers.