Hey there, dateless and lonely. Are you a wait-in-line-after-a-SHRM-event-so-you-can-ask-the-speaker-your-random-FMLA-question-“for a friend”-fanboy/fangirl? Then, step right up and head on over to Thompson’s HR Compliance Expert for the latest edition of “Opposing Counsel,” where employee-rights attorney, Donna Ballman, and I spike your HR-compliance dork punch with a splash of FMLA. Actually, it’s a double…
Articles Posted in Family and Medical Leave
Vague policies + poor HR communication = FMLA disaster
A few years ago, I blogged here about the importance of communicating with employees on FMLA to stay abreast of their status and eventual return-to-work. But, even before employees go on FMLA, both clear communication and workplace policies becomes paramount. Consider this recent example involving a pregnant salesperson. She got…
Welcome to the intersection of ADA and FMLA
Kinda like Welcome to the Jungle, except with a lot less GnR. Or maybe like the famous intersection of Hollywood and Vine, except, not famous and all. And, let’s face it, the only sightseeing at FMLA/ADA is done by dorks like us. Who wants to pose with me for a selfie? Well, I…
Guess what, you guys? HR Directors can be sued for FMLA violations too.
“I didn’t sign up for this!” — Most of you. And the rest of you are like… The HR Director may be an “employer” too. Hey! Don’t shoot the messenger. Instead, those sharp daggers coming out of your eyes should be directed at the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. Indeed, last week, the…
You mistakenly offered FMLA leave to an ineligible employee. Now what?
Don’t worry. Eric’s here. And I’ve got Scooby Snacks. Actually, I’ve got FMLA knowledge, which is better than Scooby Snacks. And, besides, I ate all of the Scooby Snacks. Sorry, I was hungry. An employee at a small company is supposedly offered FMLA. In Weissberg v. Chalfant Manufacturing Co., Inc.…
It’s fairly safe to assume that an employee with chest pains needs FMLA.
Among other things, the Family and Medical Leave Act affords an eligible employee up to 12 weeks of leave from work in 12-month period for a serious health condition that makes the employee unable to perform the essential functions of his or her job. We know that, to take covered leave,…
How could dementia not be covered under the FMLA? (Psst, I’ll tell you how).
The Family and Medical Leave Act allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of leave in a 12-month period for, among other reasons, to care for a parent with a serious health condition. Most FMLA serious health conditions are plainly obvious: Cancer, HIV, dementia. But, then again… The…
BUSTED!!! Vacation photos on Facebook doom an employee’s FMLA claims
If you take leave Family and Medical Leave Act, go on vacation, and post your pictures on Facebook, the odds are that your employer is going to find out about it. Why? Because your co-workers, the ones you friended on Facebook, but who really aren’t your friends, are going to snitch…
FMLA and Migraines and Facebook and other things that will make you want to click
What happens when a registered nurse, who takes intermittent FMLA leave for her migraine headaches, has a such a bad one that it causes her to fall asleep at work? Can the company fire her? Will that violate the FMLA? Who wins this head-on collision? Will Eric stop asking questions, and just answer them already?…
What can you do about employees missing work today with a Super Bowl hangover?
Panthers. Broncos. Meh. Doritos won the Super Bowl, amirite? But, for the 10% of your workforce that may be missing work today, you’ll have to wait until tomorrow to get their opinions on the Super Bowl commercials. Many of those employees told you in advance that today would be a…