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FMLA

Count only hours actually worked for eligibility

07/01/2007

Do you have special incentive programs to make weekend work attractive to employees? If your program pays workers “credit hours” for time not actually worked, you don’t have to include those hours toward FMLA eligibility …

‘Chronic’ FMLA leave causing HR headaches

07/01/2007

If you’re having trouble determining when you must grant FMLA leave to employees who suffer recurring health problems, you’re not alone. Nearly two-thirds of HR professionals say they’ve experienced such problems, leading to morale issues and productivity loss …

FMLA obligation ends when worker says he won’t return

07/01/2007

The FMLA guarantees a qualified employee up to 12 weeks’ unpaid leave and the right to return to the same job (or a substantially similar one) after the leave ends. But employees don’t always return …

Suggest FMLA if worker says illness causing work problems

07/01/2007

An employee who has been performing well and then seems to act out of character may be suffering from a disability or a serious health condition. But suggesting a disability when there isn’t one is NOT a good idea …

Make sure not to defame an employee when issuing ‘Security bulletin’ after termination

07/01/2007

Workplace violence is a serious problem, and employees who have been fired may sometimes overreact …

Pregnant employees: Where can you draw the line?

06/01/2007

Pregnant employees and applicants are protected by two federal employment laws: the Pregnancy Discrimination Act and the FMLA …

Can a New Mom Demand Part-Time Schedule?

06/01/2007

Q. We had a full-time employee take FMLA leave to have her baby. After her 12 weeks off, she demanded a part-time schedule. We need the position to be filled full time. The shift we want her to work is the one she was working before she took FMLA leave. Do we have to let her work the schedule she wants?—E.L., Connecticut

Post-Birth FMLA Leave: Can it be taken in shifts?

06/01/2007

Q. I know employees welcoming a new child into the family can take FMLA leave within 12 months of the child’s birth. But what if the employee takes just eight weeks after birth and returns to work? Can she take another four weeks of FMLA leave about six months later (i.e., still within the child’s first 12 months of life)?—L.O., Texas

FMLA time used up? Consider ADA before firing

06/01/2007

Q. An employee already took his 12 weeks of FMLA leave, but his doctors say he needs three to six weeks more. I want to terminate him because he isn’t ready to return. What’s the best way to go about it?—B.H., Florida

Is bereavement leave also FMLA leave? Not usually

06/01/2007

Bereavement leave for employees who suffer a death in the family may be part of your benefits package, but it isn’t necessarily covered by the FMLA …