Latest update: 20/12/2024

Guidelines and good practices - Reasonable accommodation at work

These guidelines, published by the EU Commission in 2024, provide information and practical examples to help employers create a more inclusive and accommodating work environment for all employees, regardless of their abilities.

Council Directive 2000/78/EC, establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation for workers with disabilities. The purpose of reasonable accommodation is to enable people with disabilities to access and participate in employment so that they can achieve the same work results and have the same opportunities as employees without disabilities. Reasonable accommodation needs to be implemented at all stages of employment, namely recruitment, retention, and career progression.

The guidelines are primarily for employers, but they are also highly relevant to a variety of stakeholders, such as employers’ associations, trade unions, public authorities, equality bodies, civil society and persons with disabilities.

The guidelines cover

  • the legal obligations, policy and background of resasonable at work
  • the five methods of reasonable accommodation with explanations and examples (Providing assistive technology, Personal assistance, Adjusting workspace (including teleworking), Flexible working hours and Flexible task arrangements)
  • adopting a modern approach to disability including Inclusive practices across employment stages
  • further information and financial support


Publication details
Published by: Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs & Inclusion
Publication date: 2024
Number of pages: 113 pp.

Available in languages

English