Robert Teachout, SHRM-SCP | Source | Legal Editor at HRdotCom

If returning to work safely is not possible under the circumstances, an employee with a disability or at high risk may request an accommodation, and an employer is legally obliged to engage in the interactive process to discuss a reasonable accommodation that will allow an employee to perform the essential functions of their job. Employers can offer accommodations such as telework, job reassignment or even a leave of absence. An employer is not required to wait for an employee to make a request to begin the engagement process if the disability is clear or the employer is aware of a potential disability.