Leave

When tracking FMLA abuse, use surveillance cautiously

08/05/2010

Before you decide to videotape someone whom you suspect may be abusing FMLA leave, make sure you have a good-faith reason to do so. And be prepared to show that surveillance is a common practice for similar suspicions.

Employee volunteers get 8 paid hours a year

08/05/2010

Every employee of Cydcor, a California-based sales company, can take any day off each year to devote to volunteer work. The paid day off is part of Cydcor Cares, a program that encourages employees to donate time and money to community causes.

Can we terminate a poor performer who is currently out on FMLA leave?

07/27/2010

Q. Our receptionist has a history of being late for work and taking unexcused absences. She’s out on FMLA leave to care for her sick father. Her temporary replacement is doing an outstanding job and always shows up on time. Can we keep the new receptionist and tell the other one not to return?

School’s out for summer! But the FMLA doesn’t cover day care

07/23/2010

Believe it or not, some employees are under the impression they can use FMLA leave during the summer months to care for their minor children instead of sending them to summer camp or day care. That’s not true unless the child has a serious health condition that prevents participation in camp or day care. Otherwise, parents are expected to make conventional child care arrangements during the summer.

How can we manage conflicting vacation requests?

07/20/2010

Q. We are a small company. Two of our employees in the same department have asked to take vacation at the same time. We’re afraid that we will be short-staffed if both employees are out at the same time. Can we institute a policy preventing employees from being out simultaneously?

You don’t have to chase down FMLA certification

07/15/2010

Employers aren’t required to go out of their way to encourage employees to have a doctor certify a serious health condition that qualifies for FMLA leave.

Handle return-to-work issues with care

07/15/2010

Employees and their lawyers know to dig deep when they’re considering filing a discrimination lawsuit. They hunt for anything that smacks of unequal treatment based on some protected classification—and if they find something, they’ll sue. Consider this example:

New moms get mentors, extra time off at PwC

07/13/2010

PricewaterhouseCoopers is working to retain its working women by pairing them with other PwC moms and then allowing them to take up to five years off after a birth. “Mentor Moms” connects each new mother or mother-to-be with a colleague in her regional office who also is a working mom. Mentors offer support and guidance about the transition from maternity leave back to work.

You can require back-to-work fitness certification after FMLA leave

07/08/2010

If you have a standard policy that requires employees returning from sick leave to show that they’re fit for work, you can also require employees who use FMLA leave to provide the same.

Get out of town! Three companies offer innovative vacation benefits

06/29/2010

As we head into the Fourth of July weekend, take a look at how three companies handle vacation time—from compressed schedules leading to more time off to luxury digs fit for a wealthy client. And don’t forget the overseas surgery!