If you've ever requested a workplace accommodation, there's a good chance you've heard HR say something like this: "Unfortunately, we can't approve that because it would create an undue hardship." For many employees, that feels like the end of the conversation. After all, it sounds official. It sounds legal. It sounds like someone has carefully reviewed your request, weighed the facts, and determined that your accommodation simply isn't possible. Sometimes that's exactly what

Reasonable accommodations don’t guarantee job protection—and misunderstanding that can cost you your leverage. Here’s what “essential functions” really mean and what you need to understand before you go to HR.