Q. "What is the interactive process?"
Answer:
The interactive process is a term most often associated with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a federal law requiring organizations with 15 or more employees to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees who have a disability.
Working with an applicant/employee to explore accommodations so they can perform essential functions of the job and have equal access to benefits and privileges.
Should begin when you become aware of the need. Managers are responsible for recognizing when a request is being made or an accommodation would be appropriate.
Accommodation may be easy, or may need input from the applicant or employee’s medical provider.
Select the most effective accommodation and try it for a time. Circumstances may change, so keep an open dialogue with the employee to see if adjustments are needed.