Introduction to the FMLA for HR

Course Description:

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is meant to help employees take care of family and medical responsibilities while still maintaining their jobs and careers. As an HR professional, you are your company’s liaison with employees who need to take FMLA leave; therefore, you need to understand this law and the rules that apply to these situations. This course offers a high-level introduction to the FMLA for HR, familiarizing you with its foundation and generally applicable provisions. By the end of the course, you will be able to recognize when and to whom the FMLA applies, understand key provisions of the law, assist employees in handling leaves appropriately, and protect your organization from liability.

Why “Introduction to the FMLA for HR” Matters:

In most cases, the FMLA guarantees that your employees will be reinstated to the same or an equivalent position with the same pay and benefits if they ever have to take leave for serious family or health situations. When FMLA claims are handled incorrectly, it can lead to several legal and financial consequences for employers.

Key Points:

• The FMLA helps employees balance work and family responsibilities.
• The FMLA allows employees to maintain their benefits while ensuring job security.
• Eligible employees can take up to 12 weeks of leave in a 12-month period.
• Eligible employees can take up to 26 weeks of leave in a 12-month period to care for a family service member or veteran with a qualifying service-connected injury or illness.
• Leave can be taken intermittently.
• It is illegal to retaliate against employees for requesting or exercising their FMLA rights.
• Protect yourself and your organization from liability, and never make tough decisions on employee rights issues without consulting your HR department first!