Tag: compliance

‘I’ve Learned How to Manage Intermittent Leave Abuse’

Has anybody out there had problems with intermittent leave? HR manager Barbara Dahlen asked. Her audience’s response at the recent SHRM Annual Convention and Exposition in New Orleans was loud and long. “Oh, yes!” It took her a couple of years to figure things out, she says. “You can’t fix intermittent [leave] abuse overnight. But […]

Denial of FMLA Reinstatement: Employee Options

Yesterday’s Advisor covered identifying and notifying "key employees" about reinstatement under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Today we’ll look at their options after denial of reinstatement notification, and introduce a popular, recently updated FMLA resource. The key employee who has received notification that reinstatement after FMLA leave will be denied has two choices: […]

Who’s a ‘Key Employee’? Should You Care?

Confusion reigns over the status of "key employees" under the FMLA, what their reinstatement rights are, and what the employer’s notice requirements are. Today’s Advisor clears away the fog. Who is a Key Employee? A "key employee" is:   Salaried FMLA-eligible (meets service requirements of 12 months and at least 1250 hours) FMLA-covered (employer is […]

FMLA Malingerers? Recertify, Recertify, Recertify

Yesterday’s Advisor offered “no grandparents” Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) tips from attorney Beverly Garofalo. Today, we give you more tips plus an introduction to BLR’s updated FMLA resource materials. What Can You Do About FMLA Malingerers? There are always malingerers, Garofalo says, employees who work the system. And just brace yourself, she says, […]

No FMLA for Grandparents, and Other Timely Tips

“Don’t try to be a ‘we’re one big family’ company and allow FMLA for grandparents,” says attorney Beverly Garofalo. “It will come back to bite you every time.” Garofalo, managing partner of the Hartford office of national employment law firm Jackson Lewis, delivered her remarks at a recent seminar sponsored by workforce management software supplier […]

FMLA Changes Medical Info, Fitness Certification Rules

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) changes, in effect less than a month, will probably help employers in the long run. But for now, there’s a welter of tricky little changes to cope with. Here are more tips and news about an updated, comprehensive guidance tool. Medical Information Now Easier to Obtain: In the […]

Quirkiest FMLA Rule Amended in New Regs

Everything going smoothly with the new FMLA regs? They are now officially a few weeks old, but many HR managers fear the hassles are just beginning. The Department of Labor (DOL) says the revisions were designed to clarify the requirements and to improve communication between employers and employees. To some extent, these goals may be […]

A Tested Lawsuit Avoidance Technique

One of the peskiest jobs managers have is responding to requests for time off from work. Today, more of Bob Gilson’s expert tips on that topic, plus an introduction to one of the best ways to avoid employee lawsuits—turnkey training for your managers. Gilson, an expert on employee relations, offered these tips on FedSmith.com, where […]

Managing Leave—Annoying for Sure, But Doable

“Never let managers deal with leave requests,” says one expert, but that’s easier said than done. For every HR manager who doesn’t have a leave specialist on staff, here are Bob Gilson’s tips for dealing with leave requests. Gilson, an expert on employee relations, offers his tips on FedSmith.com, where he is a frequent blogger. […]

Did They Actually Clarify Intermittent Leave? (Yes, a Little)

In yesterday’s Advisor, attorney Frank Alvarez covered several key points on compliance with new FMLA regs. Today, more of Alvarez’s tips, and an introduction to the first available updated FLMA compliance guide. Intermittent leave has always been a bugaboo for HR managers, and the new regulations do offer some clarifications. Here are Alvarez’s thoughts on […]