The Complexities of Absence Management
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
- Interpreting form completion and managing regulatory processes is burdensome
- Navigating the ADA interactive process is time-consuming and making accommodation decisions has legal implications
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:
Continuous Leave: Federal FMLA/PWFA, Statutory Disability and Paid Family Leave (PFL)
Uncomplicated vaginal birth of a child, employee works up until delivery
Note: Scenario assumes employee is eligible for all relevant benefits and entitlements and is using bonding leave immediately following birth recovery.
Multiple Leave Incidence: Federal FMLA & State Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML)
Employee needs 6 weeks of medical leave due to an injury requiring surgery and recovery, and after 3 weeks of returning to work, needs an additional 8 weeks of leave to care for a parent with a seriuos health condition.
Note: Scenario assumes employee is eligible for all relevant benefits
We understand...
HR has many strategic priorities
Learn more:
10 ways Human Resources will change in 2022, Business News Daily
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.
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