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.
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?
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.
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, an employee doesn’t have to specifically reference the Family and Medical Leave Act or say “F-M-L-A” .
How, then, can an employee put the company on notice of the need for covered leave?
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…
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 on you faster the Road Runner on Wile E’s Acme Rocket Skates.
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?
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 day off. But, what will you do about the others who don’t show up for work?
On Monday, one of my favorite HR bloggers, Suzanne Lucas a/k/a The Evil HR Lady, addressed (here) a reader question about whether a company can legally prohibit an employee from seeking other employment while on leave covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
As part of her post, Her Evilness asked for others to weigh in on the subject. ABA Journal Blawg 100 Hall of Famer, Jon Hyman, answered the call on his blog post yesterday. Jon concluded that the legal answer depends upon the scope of the policy.
The Employer Handbook Blog