This week, we analyze how a new U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) memo for federal workers, combined with the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Groff v. DeJoy, is creating new compliance challenges at the intersection of religious accommodations and remote work.

Remote Work and Religion: New Legal Risks for Employers in 2025

As religious rights in the workplace gain new attention, a recent OPM memo broadening religious accommodations for federal employees could impact employers everywhere—at home and in the office.

Essential Impacts for Employers:

  • The federal memo expands religious accommodations, including remote work.
  • The Supreme Court’s 2023 Groff v. DeJoy ruling raised the “undue hardship” standard, making it more difficult for employers to deny religious accommodation requests.
  • Accommodation requests are increasing, intersecting with remote work.

These developments create new compliance challenges and potential legal risks for employers in the public and private sectors. Epstein Becker Green attorney Nancy Gunzenhauser Popper explains how to evaluate accommodation requests under the heightened standard and what the new federal memo could mean for your organization.

Podcast: Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Audacy, Audible, Deezer, Goodpods, iHeartRadio, Overcast, Pandora, Player FM, Pocket Casts, Spotify, YouTube Music.

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From helping clients make the business case for compliance audits to managing high-pressure U.S. Department of Labor investigations, Epstein Becker Green attorney Courtney McFate’s approach focuses on collaboration, foresight, and practical solutions. Her philosophy? Compliance and business success go hand in hand.


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Your Workforce. Our Business.® 
As a trusted leader in U.S. employment law, Epstein Becker Green supports employers from a variety of industries in mitigating risks, safeguarding reputations, and enhancing bottom lines. Learn more about our employment, labor, and workforce management services.

About Employment Law This Week

Employment Law This Week® gives a rundown of the top developments in employment and labor law and workforce management in a matter of minutes every #WorkforceWednesday®. 

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