Described as one of the most volatile aspects of employment law, paid sick leave laws are increasing (and changing) at a rapid rate. Listen in to this episode with Josh Seidman, partner with Seyfarth Shaw and co-lead of the leaves of absence management and accommodations team to hear about emerging trends and common employer mistakes to avoid!Resources:Hear Josh Seidman share more guidance on paid sick leave laws during the 2024 DMEC Annual Conference in August. Peruse the agenda and register: https://dmec.org/conferences-and-events/annual-conference/Visit the DMEC Paid Sick Leave Law Updates page for news and information provided by the Seyfarth Shaw team: https://dmec.org/resources/paid-sick-leave-updates/

Hear about creative solutions designed by two winners of the 2023 DMEC Emerging Leader Award, how they define leadership, and the mutually beneficial effects of recognizing (and rewarding) this important work! Get insights from Ashleigh Brock, JD, lead compliance coordinator for the city of Memphis, and Keemia Vaghef, PhD, director of analytics consulting, leave solutions at Alight Solutions, in this extended podcast episode!From designing streamlined processes to improve efficiencies to dispelling benchmarking myths for greater success, these award winners set a high bar! Listen in for inspiration! And nominate superstars in your organization before May 30 for this leadership award!Read more about the 2023 award winners in the @Work magazine article Celebrating Leadership in Absence and Disability Management Circles.Learn about the Emerging Leader Award criteria and complete the nomination form to highlight emerging leaders in your organization!: https://dmec.org/about-dmec/leadership-award/

Hear DMEC subject matter experts discuss hot topics from the 2024 DMEC FMLA/ADA Employer Compliance Conference including priorities shared by the DOL and EEOC. Bryon Bass, CLMS, CEO; Jess Dudley, CLMS, CPDM, education manager; and Kristin Jones, CLMS, PHR, SHRM-CP, director of education programs, talk about what resonated most as well as tips to help integrated disability and absence managers create compliant and caring environments. Resources referenced in this episode:2024 DMEC Virtual Compliance ConferenceFMLA/ADA Training for Supervisors and ManagersBuilding a Return-to-Work Program Microcredential CourseDMEC

Creating programs that address an employee’s unique social determinants of health (SDOH) can improve employee health and productivity, say Patty Nunez, MA, CRC, CDMS, CCM, Commissioner, Commission for Case Manager Certification, and director, Claim Supply Management, CNA Insurance, and Vivian Campagna, DNP, RN-BC, CCM, chief industry relations officer with the Commission for Case Manager Certification in this episode of the podcast. The work can also prevent accidents or injuries that prompt leaves of absence. Hear what employers can do to embrace the concept and construct of SDOH to improve employee health, wellness, and safety.Resources:Addressing Social Determinants of Health Improves Absence Management and Return to WorkDMEC resourcesFMLA/ADA Training for Supervisors and Managers

“There’s never been a more compelling business case for investing in mental health than there is now,” says Bryon Bass, CLMS, CEO, DMEC. Hear Bass discuss takeaways from the 2024 DMEC Virtual Mental Health Conference with Kristin Jones, CLMS, PHR, SHRM-CP, DMEC director of education programs, and Jess Dudley, CLMS, CPDM, DMEC education manager, in this podcast episode. The conference, which was sponsored by the Marsh McLennan Agency, highlighted employer case studies, business case tips, and resources galore! Listen in for details! Resources:DMEC Mental Health ResourcesA Four-Part Framework for a Mental Health-Friendly WorkplaceHow to Create Mentally Healthier Work EnvironmentsNow is the Time for Employers to Make Mental Health an Organizational PriorityThe Surgeon General's Framework for Workplace Mental Health and Well-BeingHear How Employers Are Investing in Employee Mental Health: A DMEC Podcast PlaylistEqualizing Mental and Physical Health in the WorkplaceEmployers Seek Ways to Turn the Tide on Employee Mental Health

Nora Burns, founder and chief curiosity officer of The Leadership Experts, shares findings from her Undercover Candidate research, some of which she describes as horrifying! Listen in to hear this dynamic HR executive turned consultant talk about the cost of culture in advance of her keynote presentation at the 2024 DMEC FMLA/ADA Employer Compliance Conference March 25-28. Resources noted:Redefining Culture and Its Costs: Undercover Project Perspectives, a Q&A with Nora Burns 2024 DMEC FMLA/ADA Employer Compliance Conference March 25-28 in Dallas, TexasThe Leadership ExpertsDMEC

Does your organization consider leave as an event or a part of the employment process? Your answer might determine more than you think! Listen in as DMEC education team experts Kristin Jones, CLMS, PHR, SHRM-CP; and Jess Dudley, CLMS, CPDM, discuss how controlling the message of employee absence can be a deciding factor in program's success! The two discuss how employers can develop a return-to-work program that not only outlines policies but encourages grace in employee interactions and helps team members stay at work and return to work when they are able to do so.

Confused about paid family and medical leave (PFML) terminology? Learn about the evolution of PFML and get tips on how employers can set realistic expectations with private-sector employees in states where voluntary PFML is available from Jessica Bolar, senior product manager, PFML and Absence Management with The Standard. While there are two of these “voluntary plans” today, there will be 16 by 2026 and industry experts like Bolar question whether there will be more. As a result, the best approach is for employers to start preparing now. Listen in for details and guidance.Resources:The Eye of the Storm: The Evolution of PFML Trends and Paid Leave Policies

Employers can create mentally healthy workplaces. One key component is talking with employees about potential solutions to help reduce workload or stress instead of acting independently to protect them; actions that could be misconstrued and cause more harm than good. In this episode Paula Allen, global leader and senior vice president of Research and Client Insights for TELUS Health, offers insights and tips to help identify and mitigate mental health risks in the workplace, equip managers with the information and skills they need, and access the right resources when employees need them most. Listen in for details, and read the Q&A with Allen "How to Create Mentally Healthier Work Environments" in @Work magazine for additional context.Resources cited in the podcast:Workplace Strategy Index for Mental Health toolTELUS Mental Health Index2024 DMEC Virtual Mental Health Conference Jan. 23 & 25, 2024DMEC Mental Health ResourcesDMEC Mental Health Podcast Playlist

It is increasingly important for employers to participate in policy conversations about state paid family and medical leave implementation to ensure their voices are heard, says Tracy Marshall, BSN, RN, CCM, CDMS, SHRM-SCP, division director, Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) division, Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. Listen in for details about FAMLI, the value of more employers engaging in the rule-making process, perspectives shared during an employer roundtable discussion Marshall facilitated during the 2023 DMEC Annual Conference, and more.Resources:FAMLI websiteFAMLI Resources for Employers2024 DMEC FMLA/ADA Employer Compliance ConferenceDMEC Resources

Unanswered questions and confusion about restricted duty (who is eligible, when should it be recommended, and what an employer's responsibilities are) can delay an employee's return to work, says Tracie DeFreitas, a program leader and director of training, services, and outreach for the Job Accommodation Network. Get insights and perspectives in this episode!JAN resources referenced in this episode:Light duty: https://askjan.org/topics/liduty.cfmStay at Work/Return to Work: https://askjan.org/topics/return.cfmPregnancy: https://askjan.org/disabilities/Pregnancy.cfmEmployer-provided Leave and the Americans with Disabilities Act: https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/guidance/employer-provided-leave-and-americans-disabilities-actEnforcement Guidance: Workers' Compensation and the ADA: https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/guidance/enforcement-guidance-workers-compensation-and-adaRegulations to Implement the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/08/11/2023-17041/regulations-to-implement-the-pregnant-workers-fairness-actDMEC-Related Resources:Creating More Effective Return-to-Work Pathways podcast episodeDMEC accommodation resourcesDMEC website

Strong absence and disability management processes empower employers and help support employees during emotional times, explains Rachel Shaw, president/principal consultant, Shaw HR Consulting. Data can provide a life vest during emotional discussions when employees seek accommodations for disabilities and performance issues muddy the waters. DMEC resources mentioned during the podcast:At the Crossroads of Performance Management and Disability: Using the Right Tool for the JobDMECommunities, an online member networking and discussion platform DMEC Resources

Listen in as DMEC subject matter experts share takeaways and favorite moments from the 2023 DMEC Annual Conference. From inspiring keynote speakers to breaking news about psychedelic drugs to treat mental illness, and important reminders about the meaningful work absence managers do, hear what resonated with Bryon Bass, CLMS, incoming DMEC CEO; Kristin Jones, CLMS, DMEC director of education; and Jess Dudley, CLMS, DMEC education manager.Resources mentioned during this episode:The four live sessions (plus one recorded session) that will be shared during the 2023 DMEC Virtual Conference Sept. 20 have been selected and published! Learn more and register! How Can Employers Prepare for Psychedelics?DMEC resources

How will an increasing number of paid family and medical leave (PFML), which vary by state, influence the future of employee benefits? Listen in to this episode with Terri L. Rhodes, CCMP, CLMS, CPDM, MBA, CEO, DMEC, and Breanna Scott, CLMS, senior product manager, paid statutory leave for New York Life Insurance Company, for details, practical tips, and insights on industry trends.DMEC resources unlocked for podcast listeners:What Does Your Paid Leave Program Say About You As An Employer?Does Offering a Private PFML Plan Make Sense?

Identifying and embracing differences among four generations in the workplace is essential for employer success, explains Raven Solomon, CEO of Raven Solomon Enterprises, and keynote speaker for the 2023 DMEC Annual Conference. Hear Raven discuss the business strategy to pursuing a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment that encourages a sense of belonging and ensures accessibility in this episode of the DMEC podcast.Read the Q&A with Raven Solomon.Hear Raven Solomon's keynote presentation during the 2023 DMEC Annual Conference.Read the article Raven mentions in this episode, "Six Things You Need to Know in order to Effectively Lead Gen Z".Raven mentions the value of "micro learning" in this episode. Learn about DMEC's microcredential program.

How can employers create an environment that encourages employees to return to work when possible? Kerri Wizner, MPH, Assistant Director of Epidemiology for MDGuidelines, and Dr. Keemia Vaghef, PhD, Director of Analytics Consulting for Alight Leave Solutions, share insights and recommendations in this episode, which elaborates on concepts discussed in their @Work magazine article "The ROI of Shifting the Curve Toward Optimum Durations.“ Listeners will also hear from W. Shane Journeay PhD, MPH, MD, FRCPC, BC-Occ Med, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation & Occupational Medicine, who shares a valuable provider perspective. Related DMEC ResourcesThe ROI of Shifting the Curve Toward Optimum DurationsBuilding a Return-to-Work Program Microcredential Course

Setting expectations with managers that employee health and wellness (physical and mental) are part of their responsibilities and training them to identify and address issues early will become increasingly important, says Dr. Kristin Tugman, vice president of health and productivity and holistic wellness for Prudential. She offers guidance and suggestions for how employers can equalize mental and physical health in the workplace in this podcast episode.Get additional context and context from Dr. Tugman in this Q&A: Time for Change: Employers Can Help Turn the Tide with Mental Health Awareness and TreatmentDMEC

Episode description: Despite best intentions, intermittent leave can disrupt the most productive teams, and some say it's more susceptible to abuse. Yet creating policies with clear, regular communication can help employers ensure that everyone comes out whole, explains Lana Ruprecht, director, product compliance counsel, Reliance Matrix; and Marti Cardi, senior compliance consultant and legal counsel, Reliance Matrix.More information:@Work magazine column: Responding to FMLA Intermittent Requests for “Planned Treatment” – When Does This “Unduly Disrupt” Operations?  Resource:Department of Labor Opinion Letter Search Hub

By integrating absence and disability management, employers leverage the information they have more effectively, create more positive employee experiences, and remove undue burdens to access, explains Sara Elder, JD, vice president of operations, Sedgwick. Learn how to protect your absence and disability managers from feeling like air traffic controllers in this episode of the DMEC podcast.

As managers and supervisors do more with less, adding "pause points" when working with employees and fielding requests for leave and accommodation could help employers avoid liability. Listen in as Kristin Jones, CLMS, PHR, SHRM-CP, DMEC Director of Education Programs; and Jess Dudley, CLMS, CPDM, DMEC Education Manager, discuss the issue.Related resources from DMEC:FMLA/ADA Training for Supervisors and ManagersDMEC Certification & Training