DOJ Blesses 'Situational Telework' As Reasonable Religious Accommodation

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has released an advisory memorandum opinion making clear that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 may require the federal government to provide "situational telework" to its employees as a religious accommodation. This development is part of the Trump administration's ongoing efforts to expand religious protections in the workplace. Although the memorandum opinion focuses on religious rights in the federal government workplace, private-sector employers also may wish to consider situational telework (or "telecommuting") as a religious accommodation.

Quick Hits

• Existing guidance on religion in the federal workplace largely remains intact, but federal employers now face a higher standard to demonstrate undue hardship when denying requests for religious accommodation.