Reduced Hours Accommodation Letter
A reduced hours accommodation letter documents your medical need to work fewer hours than your standard schedule. This can be temporary (during treatment or recovery) or permanent (for chronic conditions). Under Alberta law, reduced hours are a recognized accommodation — your employer cannot simply terminate you for needing fewer hours.
Conditions That Qualify
- Cancer treatment (chemotherapy fatigue, radiation side effects)
- Chronic fatigue syndrome / ME
- Severe depression or anxiety
- Multiple sclerosis (fatigue management)
- Heart conditions requiring limited exertion
- Post-surgical recovery (gradual return to full hours)
- Fibromyalgia (energy management)
- Dialysis or regular medical treatments
What Your Letter Includes
- Confirmation of condition requiring reduced hours
- Recommended maximum hours per day/week
- Whether reduction is temporary or permanent
- Timeline for gradual increase (if applicable)
- Essential duties the employee can still perform
- Physician contact information
How It Works
- Fill out our secure online form describing your condition and accommodation needs (5 minutes)
- A CPSA-registered Alberta physician reviews your request
- Your signed accommodation letter is delivered to your email same day
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my pay be reduced if I work fewer hours?
For hourly employees, yes — you'll be paid for hours worked. For salaried employees, your employer may pro-rate your salary. However, your benefits should generally continue, and you cannot be demoted or have your role fundamentally changed.
Can my employer just put me on disability leave instead?
No. If you can perform your essential duties with reduced hours, your employer must accommodate rather than forcing you onto leave. Forced leave when accommodation is possible is considered discrimination.
What if my employer says they need someone full-time in my role?
They must explore alternatives: job sharing, redistributing non-essential tasks, hiring part-time support, or modifying the role. Simply stating they 'need full-time' without exploring options is not sufficient to claim undue hardship.
How long can a reduced hours accommodation last?
As long as medically necessary. For temporary conditions (surgery recovery, treatment), the letter will specify a timeline. For permanent conditions, the accommodation is indefinite. Your employer cannot set arbitrary time limits on accommodation.
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