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An employer’s request for medical recertification to establish eligibility for Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave didn’t violate the Act, the U.S. 8th Circuit Court of Appeals (which covers Arkansas) recently ruled. Missing 16 consecutive days rather than the expected four to five days set forth in the original medical certification was a significant […]
In our latest installment of Ask the Expert, brought to you by the team of industry experts at HR Hero®, we look at a recent question from a subscriber regarding FMLA regulations and the coverage provided to employees who are caring for family members. See what the experts had to say. Q: An employee’s parent is […]
Early during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was speculation about a baby boom in the coming months because couples were spending virtually all their time at home together, perhaps with too much “downtime.” An immediate boom ended up not occurring, according to a recent study by University of Michigan researchers. But, the slight pause in pregnancy and childbirths […]
Major depressive disorder affects many Americans. In 2017, about seven percent of U.S. adults endured at least one major depressive episode, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. When the depressive episodes occur at work, they can create tough HR challenges. On May 27, 2021, the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals (which covers […]
A new bill introduced in Congress that aims to boost research into pregnancy loss also proposes a minimum of three days’ paid leave for workers who experience miscarriage.
Does a broken toe amount to a serious health condition under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)? It depends on the circumstances. But an Ohio federal district court recently held an employee’s FMLA interference claim can go to trial in a case where there was a dispute of whether his broken toe constituted a […]
Regular attendance at the worksite can be an essential job function, the U.S. 8th Circuit Court of Appeals (whose rulings apply to all Minnesota employers) recently reminded employers, upholding the termination of an employee who had violated the employer’s attendance policy. As a result, the former employee can no longer pursue her Americans with Disabilities […]
When launching an arbitration agreement, you must understand the pros and cons of requiring your employees to sign one as well as which workers should be covered and the hurdles of enforcement. Depending on the potential value of the claim to be arbitrated, the filing fee could result in a five-figure charge just to initiate […]
Q: An employee is having an elective surgery that won’t require an overnight hospital stay, but she will be off work for two weeks to recover and will possibly have some restrictions afterward. Will her surgery and time off be covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)? A: Under the FMLA, an eligible […]
An employee had to recertify his qualifying condition because of an established pattern of potential Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) misuse, but he failed to cooperate with the recertification process and didn’t provide the requested information. If he seeks FMLA protection for future absences, should we deny the request, or are we required to […]