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California Employment Law Glossary

Interactive Process
Workplace Discrimination

 

Definition


 

California law requires employers to engage in a timely, good-faith interactive process with any employee who requests a disability accommodation or whose need for accommodation becomes apparent. This is not a one-time conversation - it is an ongoing dialogue aimed at identifying an effective accommodation. Employers who refuse to participate, terminate the process prematurely, or fail to explore alternatives may violate FEHA independently of any underlying discrimination claim.


Frequently Asked Questions

Your employer must engage in a good-faith, ongoing conversation with you to identify an effective accommodation for your disability, rather than dismissing your request outright.

No. Skipping the interactive process altogether can itself be a separate FEHA violation, even apart from whether an accommodation was ultimately possible.

Think this applies to you?

Refusing to engage in the interactive process is itself a violation of California law. Get a free case review to explore your rights.
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This glossary is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship with Lawyers for Employee and Consumer Rights. Laws change - for advice specific to your situation, contact our office for a free case review.