The Complexities of Absence Management

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Employers really struggle with absence management 

There are many reasons for employees to be out of work, making managing absence complex even in the most straight-forward of cases. When you consider all of the various leave types, including FMLA, state paid and unpaid leaves, local and company leaves, as well as ADA, it can get complicated fast. Add in that many leaves overlap and/or run concurrently, outsourcing absence can be a lifeline for over-extended HR teams. 

  • Knowing which federal, state and local laws apply is difficult
  • Staying up to date on changing laws and forms is time-consuming for already tasked HR teams
  • Calculating eligibility and entitlement is error prone
  • Completing forms correctly is burdensome
  • Navigating the ADA interactive process is time-consuming and making accommodation decisions has legal implications

Examples of concurrent leaves of absence 

The most confusing thing about any given employee leave is that multiple leaves of absence may apply, and they may run concurrently, or not. Understanding the exact landscape is crucial for compliance, and only increases the more states your business footprint covers. Here are some examples of complexity in two different states in the US, with two different employee absence scenarios: 

Federal FMLA and state paid leave

A case study of NY based employee with uncomplicated childbirth (assumes that employee is eligible for all relevant benefits & entitlements). 

E = (Policy-specific) Elimination Period, U = Unpaid, P = Paid Benefit 

Chart 1

Federal, state paid leave, and multiple incidence of time away

Washington based employee has an injury that requires surgery and 6-week medical leave; 3 weeks after returning to work employee needs 8 weeks off to take care of parent (assumes employee is eligible for all relevant benefits & entitlements).

E = (Policy-specific) Elimination Period, U = Unpaid, P = Paid Benefit 

Chart 2

Be confident about your organization's leave management

Sun Life Absence Management is ... 

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Consultative

Experts available when you have questions

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Accessible

24/7 claims digital platform for claims submission, claim status and more

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Insightful

Leave dashboard and reporting with access to manager education

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Easy

One claim number and easy-to-understand communications that integrate paid and unpaid leave

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Consistent

Empathetic claims teams consistently apply best practices

  • Paid Family & Medical Leave

    Sun Life can administer the following plans for your business: CO PFML, CT PFML, HI TDI, MA PFML, NJ TDB, NY DBL, NY PFL, OR PFML, WA PFML.

    Visit sunlife.com/pfml to learn more.

This material is not legal advice and is provided for informational purposes only. 

In all states, except New York, Absence services are provided by Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (Wellesley Hills, MA). In New York, Absence services are provided by Sun Life and Health Insurance Company (U.S.) (Lansing, MI). Absence services are not insurance and are not legal advice.

© 2022 Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481. All rights reserved. The Sun Life name and logo are registered trademarks of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada. Visit us at www.sunlife.com/us

SLPC 31913 11/22 (Exp 11/24)