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FMLA

Be sure managers know they can’t discipline employees for using FMLA

01/14/2013
Don’t let an angry manager turn routine FMLA leave into expensive and time-consuming litigation. Make sure all supervisors understand their FMLA obligations—and that they have no choice but to cheerfully allow em­­ployees to exercise their rights.

New DOL guidance on FMLA leave to care for adult children

01/14/2013
It has always been understood that employees are entitled to take FMLA leave to care for minor children with serious health conditions. But it’s been less clear how the FMLA applies to employees who need time off to care for an adult son or daughter. Now the U.S. Department of Labor has weighed in with guidance.

Consider more leave, different job as ADA accommodation after FMLA leave expires

01/11/2013
When an employee works in a demanding position and has a medical crisis, he may not be able to return quickly to his old job. It’s en­­tirely possible he may use all available FMLA leave and other accrued leave and still receive clearance to work. That doesn’t mean his employer isn’t obligated to try to reasonably accommodate him.

How to stop midshift intermittent FMLA leave abuse

01/09/2013
There’s nothing quite like trying to manage intermittent FMLA leave for employees who must see to loved ones’ care during working hours. It’s even more difficult if the employee comes to work, only to spend all her time on the phone, supposedly dealing with the serious health condition covered by FMLA intermittent leave.

Don’t punish advocacy for co-worker’s FMLA rights

01/09/2013
Remind supervisors: It’s illegal to retaliate against an employee who advocates on behalf of a co-worker’s right to FMLA leave and reinstatement.

Salaried worker on FMLA: How to pay half days?

01/09/2013

Q. We have a salaried employee who needs to take FMLA leave. Some days off will be full days, so they would be unpaid (unless she has vacation or personal time). But how do we pay for the intermittent days on which she only takes a half day off?  

Suspect leave abuse? Be certain before you act

01/03/2013
Most of the time, an employer needs only to honestly believe the reason given for a termination. However, that’s not true in cases involving the FMLA or California family leave.

After FMLA ends, consider offering more leave

01/03/2013
Do you have a draconian FMLA leave policy that requires automatic termination for employees who use up their entitlement before being cleared to return to work? If so, you’re playing with fire.

Can we request doctor (not nurse) sign FMLA form?

12/17/2012

Q. Do we have to take a nurse’s signature on an FMLA certification? I’d like to have an actual doctor sign the forms so I am sure someone actually saw the employee.

Hysterics may be sign FMLA leave is required

12/12/2012

Here’s something to consider before you reflexively terminate an employee who walks out. If she’s so distraught that she’s shaking, crying and hysterical, she may need FMLA leave. Instead of terminating her, let her know she should request FMLA leave.