General Conversations

If a PD states that an employee is required to work rotating shifts and irregular shifts that include nights, weekends and holidays, can a doctor's note saying this is not good for an employee's health be used to avoid working those irregular hours? Do accommodations have to be given to an employee if a doctor writes a note saying it would be better not to work those hours? Or, is the agency supposed to find another position of similar grade? What are an agency's options? Can a doctor's note be used to avoid working night shifts and rotating shifts as the PD states as a requirement?

The correct answer is "It depends."

Have you just started the job, and now are asking to be accommodated? If so, then they may find you are not qualified for the job (accommodations are for those who are qualified for the position) if the rotating and irregular shifts are an essential element of the position and therefore simply let you go (especially if you are on probation).

If you have been working there a while, or if this is a new change to the position, then you may be able to be accommodated to include being moved to another open position you qualify for which meets your needs. This position may or may not be at your current grade level. (or even your current location). You can limit their search to only jobs at your current grade and location, but this may limit opportunities (ie if there are no open positions at your current grade or location, then you will be let go).