Absence Management Perspectives

Neurodiversity is like biodiversity — there is a natural variation between the ways the human brain functions and there is no one right way of thinking, learning, or behaving, explains Lizzie Somerfield, LLM, MSC, New Deal for Neurodiversity, in this podcast episode with Seth Turner, founder, senior advisor, AbsenceSoft.Listen in to hear our guests talk about small adjustments that can be made to workplaces to ensure they are neuroinclusive, and how that can benefit all employees. Hear insights and practical guidance from Somerfield and Turner, who encourage employers to ask questions and engage openly in discussions to create psychological safety for neurodiverse individuals, who may represent one in four of your team members.Resources:DMECNew Deal for Neurodiversity AbsenceSoft FMLA/ADA Training for Supervisors and ManagersLearn more about neurodiversity during the 2025 DMEC Virtual Compliance Conference on June 4 lunch-and-learn discussion titled, "From Compliance to Culture: What Every HR Leader Should Know About Neurodiversity" with leaders from ThynkStack.Join us for several educational sessions focused on neurodiversity during the 2025 DMEC Annual Conference Aug. 4-7 in Washington, D.C. We encourage DMEC members to listen in and share their takeaways and insights from this episode on the DMECommunities Mental Health group. This members-only, online discussion platform enables members to post questions and share solutions!Mentioned in this episode:Are Leave Management Specialists Asking the Right Questions?Increase Your Professional Value. Become a Certified Leave Management Specialist Today: https://dmec.org/certification-and-training/clms-certification/DMEC

Why is "in loco parentis" a renewed topic of interest for leave management professionals? Has the atmosphere surrounding AI shifted? And what is it about psychedelic treatments that has employers seeking context? Listen in for "lightbulb moments" during the 2025 DMEC Compliance Conference from DMEC subject matter experts Kristin Jones, CLMS, PHR, SHRM-CP, Director of Education Programs, and Jess Dudley, CLMS, CPDM, Senior Education Manager. Join us June 4 for the 2025 DMEC Virtual Compliance Conference, which features several of the sessions discussed in this episode!A note to listeners: This version of the podcast, which is only available to DMEC members, includes extra questions and answers from our guests. Click the link below to learn more about joining the DMEC community! Resources: Join DMEC to get the support you need to ensure employer compliance! How Can Employers Prepare for Psychedelics?What Role Should Health Equity Have in Benefit Discussions?Register for the 2025 DMEC Virtual Compliance Conference on June 4!Plan ahead and register for the 2025 DMEC Annual Conference Aug. 4-7 in Washington, D.C.Increase Your Professional Value: Become a Certified Leave Management SpecialistMentioned in this episode:Are Leave Management Specialists Asking the Right Questions?Increase Your Professional Value. Become a Certified Leave Management Specialist Today: https://dmec.org/certification-and-training/clms-certification/DMEC

Why is "in loco parentis" a renewed topic of interest for leave management professionals? Has the atmosphere surrounding AI shifted? And what is it about psychedelic treatments that has employers seeking context? Listen in for "lightbulb moments" during the 2025 DMEC Compliance Conference from DMEC subject matter experts Kristin Jones, CLMS, PHR, SHRM-CP, Director of Education Programs, and Jess Dudley, CLMS, CPDM, Senior Education Manager. Join us June 4 for the 2025 DMEC Virtual Compliance Conference, which features several of the sessions discussed in this episode!Note to listeners: There is a member-exclusive version of this podcast, which includes extra questions and answers from our guests. If you are a DMEC member, click here for access. If you're not yet a member, click the link below to learn more about joining the DMEC community! Resources: Join DMEC to get the support you need to ensure employer compliance! How Can Employers Prepare for Psychedelics?What Role Should Health Equity Have in Benefit Discussions?Register for the 2025 DMEC Virtual Compliance Conference on June 4!Plan ahead and register for the 2025 DMEC Annual Conference Aug. 4-7 in Washington, D.C.Increase Your Professional Value: Become a Certified Leave Management SpecialistMentioned in this episode:Are Leave Management Specialists Asking the Right Questions?Increase Your Professional Value. Become a Certified Leave Management Specialist Today: https://dmec.org/certification-and-training/clms-certification/DMEC

How do structured policies and processes enable employers to treat employees consistently as individuals, reduce liability risks, and improve the employee experience? Listen in for guidance and context from Ryan Bruce, MEd, CRC, SPHR, CLMS, Director of Client Solutions for New York Life Group Benefit Solutions, and Kristin Jones, CLMS, PHR, SHRM-CP, Director of DMEC Education Programs. Resources: Get more details in the article by Bruce titled The Benefits to a Strong Return-to-Work Policy in @Work magazine, which we have unlocked for listeners.Register for the DMEC Building a Return-to-Work Program Microcredential Course to ensure your team is on the the right track. Join DMEC to get the support you need to ensure employer compliance!

Amid a sea change in policies and practices, how do employers design the types of plans and policies that ensure employees feel safe and supported? Listen in to this episode for guidance and tips from Ali Schaafsma, director of absence consulting for Brown & Brown Strategic Non-Medical Solutions; and Melanie Payton, CLMS, assistant vice president of Absence Consulting and Audit Practice for Brown & Brown Strategic Non-Medical Solutions.Resources:The Business Case for Inclusive Leave Programs in DMEC @Work magazineDMEC AbsenceNavigator™ leave planning toolHear more from Ali Schaafsma during the 2025 DMEC Annual Conference Aug. 3-7 in Washington, D.C. Register today!

More employers recognize the value of redesigning benefit plans and policies so they support employees during different life cycles but how do they ensure these benefits are more than just words on a page? Listen in to Bryon E. Bass, CLMS, CEO, DMEC, share insights and suggestions.This version of the episode includes a member-exclusive Q&A with Bass, who shares insights on how employers know whether they're doing enough or perhaps too much when it comes to designing employee benefit plans and designs. Resources referenced during this episode:FMLA/ADA Training for Supervisors and ManagersDMEC AbsenceExemplar® Benchmarking tool2025 DMEC Compliance Conference April 14-17 in Columbus, OhioState and Local Leave Law MapComing in Hot — A Business Case for Menopause Support in theWorkplace: Webinar recording What's the Business Case for Paid Company LeaveTo Position Your Benefit Plans Competitively, Start with These Three Questions

While more employers recognize the value of redesigning benefit plans and policies to support employees during all life cycles, how do they ensure these benefits are more than just words on a page? Listen in to this episode with Bryon E. Bass, CLMS, CEO, DMEC, who shares insights and suggestions. DMEC members have access to an exclusive Q&A with Bass on this topic of supportive leaves, and received a unique link to access the episode! Learn more about DMEC membership to join this supportive community of leave management professionals: https://dmec.org/membership/benefits-of-membership/Resources referenced during this episode:FMLA/ADA Training for Supervisors and ManagersDMEC AbsenceExemplar® Benchmarking tool2025 DMEC Compliance Conference April 14-17 in Columbus, OhioState and Local Leave Law MapComing in Hot — A Business Case for Menopause Support in theWorkplace: Webinar recording What's the Business Case for Paid Company LeaveTo Position Your Benefit Plans Competitively, Start with These Three Questions

Recognizing life as a playground is part of the journey to reenergizing exhausted employees, creating safe spaces to share ideas, and encouraging teams to scale greater heights. Listen in for a sneak peek of the concepts Manley Feinberg, business leader and expert mountain climber, will share during the 2025 DMEC Compliance Conference in April!And join us April 14-17, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio for the 2025 DMEC Compliance Conference

Is fear preventing employers from having conversations with employees diagnosed with cancer about how they can stay at work and return to work as soon as possible? Work can be part of the healing process and with new treatment approaches, many (if not most) patients survive early-stage diagnoses, explains Raghav Murali-Ganesh, MD, FRANZCR, Chief Executive Officer, Co-Founder, Osara Health, and Robin Newman, Clinical Program Consultant, Osara Health, and Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston University. Listen in for actionable guidance.This episode includes a member-exclusive answer from Dr. Raghav Murali-Ganesh, who shares insights about barriers to creating cancer-friendly work environments and how employers can overcome them. Access is limited to DMEC members, who received this link.Get more insights in this DMEC @Work magazine article, which was referenced in this episode and we will unlock for podcast listeners:Supporting Effective Return-to-Work Practices for Employees with Cancer

Is fear preventing employers from having conversations with employees diagnosed with cancer about how they can stay at work and return to work as soon as possible? Work can be part of the healing process and with new treatment approaches, many (if not most) patients survive early-stage diagnoses, explains Raghav Murali-Ganesh, MD, FRANZCR, Chief Executive Officer, co-founder, Osara Health, and Robin Newman, clinical program consultant, Osara Health, and clinical associate professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston University. Listen in for actionable guidance. Member Exclusive Q&ADMEC members have access to an additional answer from Dr. Raghav Murali-Ganesh, who shares insights about barriers to creating a cancer-friendly workplace and how to overcome them. The link to the full episode with this additional answer was shared with DMEC members. Learn more about membership and gain access to the full episode by contacting us at info@dmec.org.Get more insights in this DMEC @Work magazine article, which was referenced in this episode and we will unlock for podcast listeners:Supporting Effective Return-to-Work Practices for Employees with Cancer

How do you build the business case for company paid leave programs that align with executive goals and employee expectations so everyone comes out whole? Listen in as Tina Computzzi, senior digital product manager with Symetra Life Insurance Company, shares analyses you need and the results you can expect!Resources:A Comprehensive Guide to Budget Analysis for Proposing Paid Company Leave BenefitsComparisons Matter: Benchmarking Provides Direction for Disability and Absence Management Professionals Surveys & Benchmarking Resources

Reframing employers' ideas (and assumptions) about loneliness could save them $1.54 billion annually and enhance employee experience in myriad ways. Learn how during this episode with Wendy Coduti, PhD, Regional Director of Health and Productivity Analytics and Consulting Practice for Prudential Group Insurance; and LaToya Rodriguez, MS, CRC, Regional Director of Health and Productivity Analytics and Consulting Practice for Prudential Group Insurance. Resources:The Organizational Effect of Loneliness: Reasons Why Workplace Connection Should be Part of Absence Management StrategiesA Commonly Missed Link Between Mental and Physical Disabilities Can Cost YouTransitional Return-to-Work Programs Show Dollars and Sense ROI

Get details on how you can identify (and fill gaps) in disability and absence management from Deborah LaBonar, PhD, DMEC director of benchmarking and research. In addition to providing context for why benchmarking tools created by and for disability and absence management professionals are valuable, you'll get details on how measuring something against a standard helps employers of all sizes and industries, and ways you can use different comparators for different business units within your organization!Resources:Read the latest benchmarking column in the November/December 2024 issue of @Work magazine for additional insights and stay tuned for a new column series by Deborah LaBonar in 2025: https://dmec.org/work-magazine/answer-the-so-what-question-and-reach-the-c-suite/Learn about DMEC surveys and benchmarking reports: https://dmec.org/resources/surveys-and-benchmarking/

Krystle Barnes-Iwediebo, director of disability and absence management for New York-Presbyterian Hospital, redesigned processes to improve efficiencies, ensure a person-centered approach, and deliver an impressive return on investment. As the first winner of the DMEC Kaleta-Carruthers Innovation Award, Barnes-Iwediebo exemplifies leadership in integrated disability and absence management. Listen in to her story!More resources:Read more about the inaugural DMEC Kaleta-Carruthers Innovation Award and the 2024 DMEC Emerging Leader Award winner in the @Work magazine article Celebrating Leadership and Innovation in Disability and Absence ManagementThe True Payoff to Integrated Disability ManagementDMEC Awards

Learn how the 2024 DMEC Emerging Leader Award winner is helping employees return to work while providing them with access to resources that help them learn new skills and expand their horizons. Hear about the creative approaches Tamisha Waters, senior personnel analyst I for the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, has taken and her dedication to finding mutually beneficial solutions to leave management challenges! More resources:Read more about the inaugural DMEC Kaleta-Carruthers Innovation Award and the 2024 DMEC Emerging Leader Award winner in the @Work magazine article Celebrating Leadership and Innovation in Disability and Absence ManagementThe True Payoff to Integrated Disability ManagementDMEC Awards

Where are you on the integrated disability and absence management continuum? Hear how that affects employee experience and an employer's bottom line in this podcast episode with DMEC CEO Bryon E. Bass, CLMS.Read more about the Kaleta-Carruthers Innovation Award and see a video with DMEC's first award winner Krystle Barnes-Iwediebo: https://dmec.org/awards/kaleta-carruthers-innovation-award/

What's the secret sauce to helping employees return to work as quickly as possible and remain healthy? Confidence and appropriate mental health accommodations play a key role. Listen in to this discussion with Kerri Wizner, MPH, CPH, head of epidemiology, Alight MD Guidelines, and Keemia Vaghef, PhD, director of value engineering, Alight Leave Solutions, for details about a 4:1 return on investment with mental health supports and why it's so important to engage and support managers in this process!Resources:Adjusting Mental Health Accommodations Can Make a Meaningful Difference For Employees, feature article in the 2024 Mental Health and Well-Being issue of @Work magazine (unlocked for podcast listeners)Research referenced during this episode:Influence of Toxic and Transformational Leadership Practices on Nurses' Job Satisfaction, Job Stress, Absenteeism and Turnover Intention: A Cross-sectional StudyLeaders as Role Models: Effects of Leader Presenteeism on Employee Presenteeism and Sick LeavePride and Confidence at Work: Potential Predictors of Occupational Health in a Hospital SettingWorkplace Mental Health Training for Managers and Its Effects on Sick Leave in Employees: A Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial

Recognizing that every absence has a psychosocial element is increasingly important for employers, explains Ian Bridgman, executive director of the Claim Lab, and Fred Schott, consultant with the Council for Disability Income Awareness. It can help employees stay at work and return to work as soon as possible and reduce the risk of employees with mental illness developing physical disabilities. Listen in for insights about why it's essential to emphasize the human element in absence and disability management.Resources:DMEC @Work magazine article: Data Proves Correlation Between Depression and Anxiety and DisabilityDMEC Mental Health Resources & ToolsReasonable Accommodation Process Resources & Tools

In addition to complying with hundreds of leave laws, employers must support employees more holistically to attract and retain top talent. But how? Hear insights from the 2024 DMEC Annual Conference from Bryon Bass, CLMS, DMEC CEO; Kristin Jones, CLMS, DMEC director of education programs; and Jess Dudley, CLMS, DMEC education manager! Listen in and register for the 2024 Virtual Annual Conference on Sept. 18 for five of the top-rated sessions and a pre-recorded panel about lessons learned from the Colorado and Connecticut paid family leave implementation: https://dmec.org/conferences-and-events/annual-conference/virtual-event/

Using artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool, not a replacement, for humans will be increasingly important for employer success, explains Bryon Bass, CLMS, CEO, DMEC, and Joe Lynett, a principal with JacksonLewis P.C. in this episode. Listen in for examples of AI-related employer risks, including the four-fifths rule. Additional resources:Additional resources:Boon or Bane: Wading Into AI Waters and Defining Risk in IDAM CirclesIntegration Technology 101: Master the Basics for a Better Leave Experience

The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) was created to bridge the gap between federal laws, as Carol Miaskoff, legal counsel for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, explains in this episode. Listen in to hear Miaskoff talk with Marjory Robertson, AVP and senior counsel for Sun Life, about top employer challenges. The two also offer guidance from the PWFA rule to support employees and ensure employer compliance!Resources:How Employers Could Get into Trouble Under the PWFADMEC Annual Conference Aug. 5-8 in NashvilleSection of the EEOC regulations for the PWFA that specify unnecessary delays

Industry benchmarks helped Jenny Haykin, integrated leaves and accommodations program manager for Puget Sound Energy, identify "excessive leave utilization" and reduce short-term disability by 45%! Listen in to learn how she did it. DMEC resources referenced in the episode:DMEC AbsenceExemplar™ Benchmarking DashboardsStrategies for Managing Excessive Use of Leave2024 DMEC Annual Conference

Two years after implementation, data shows that the Granite State's Voluntary Paid Family and Medical Leave Law (the first in the country) is increasingly popular with employees! What does this mean for employers? Listen in for hot-off-the-presses data and insights from Gina Rutledge, director of paid family and medical leave product management and strategic planning with MetLife.Resources mentioned during the episode:2024 DMEC Annual ConferenceNavigating PFML Options, a DMEC @Work magazine column that we have unlocked for podcast listenersState and Local Leave Laws ResourceMetLife 2024 Employee Benefit Trends StudyDiving Deeper - Navigating Delaware's PFML Regulations for Employers webinar archiveShift from Mandated PFML Programs-What You Need to Know webinar archive

"It needs to be ok to ask for an exception" in life, says Amberley Snyder, an award-winning rodeo rider, inspirational speaker, and social media influencer, who talks about how employers can support employees with disabilities in the workplace. Listen in for a sneak peek into Snyder's keynote presentation at the 2024 DMEC Annual Conference Aug. 5-8 in Nashville, Tenn. And get ready for helpful insights, specific guidance, and lots of laughter! Resources:2024 DMEC Annual ConferenceAmberley SnyderWalk, Ride, Rodeo: A Netflix movie based on Amberley Snyder's life

With mental health on track to become the No. 1 driver of short-term disability claims, employers seek new ways to support several generations of employees in the workplace. Listen in to this episode for guidance and perspectives from David Setzkorn, MBA, CPCU, senior vice president of workforce absence and disability practice leader for Sedgwick, and Mark Debus, LCSW, clinical manager of behavioral health services for Sedgwick. Resources:The Evolution of Mental Health and Shifting DemographicsDMEC Mental Health Resources & ToolsThe Evolution of Mental Health Parity: Webinar recordingEmployers Are Investing in Employee Mental Health: A DMEC Podcast Playlist

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

It is increasingly important for employers to assess absence management policies to identify and address inherent bias. This work helps employers become more inclusive and avoid risks, explains Amber Burnap, CLMS, a senior absence consultant with Brown & Brown, in this podcast episode.Learn more in Amber's feature article "To Gender Equity and Beyond" in the Employer Practices Compliance issue of @Work magazine. DMEC unlocked this article for podcast listeners.

Hear DMEC subject matter experts Terri L. Rhodes, Kristin Jones, and Jess Dudley talk about what they learned during the four-day conference, what surprised them, and the valuable resources they're already using in this episode. And sign up now for the 2023 DMEC Virtual Compliance Conference May 3: http://dmec.org/conferences-and-events/compliance-conference/virtual-event/

Puget Sound Energy has registered unprecedented engagement with its mental health and wellness programs. Learn how they design offerings, customize programs to align with company culture, and use data to gauge success. And read an article in @Work magazine that highlights this success and has been unlocked for listeners: http://bit.ly/3SSrlnL

Technology can be a valuable asset for absence and disability management professionals, who align expectations among team members and build plans for reasonable goals. Learn how to make the most of technology in this podcast episode that elaborates on concepts shared in the Technology & Innovation issue of DMEC's @Work magazine. We've unlocked the column "Integration Technology 101: Master the Basics for a Better Leave Experience" so listeners get the full story.

Hear how employers can encourage employees to show up as their "whole selves" at work, create supportive environments, and recognize the value of lived experience. One key: Be honest about failures, share details about goals, and always be transparent, advises Jamira Burley, an award-winning social impact advisor and strategic initiatives lead for worldwide education at a large technology company. Burley is the keynote speaker for the 2023 DMEC FMLA/ADA Employer Compliance Conference. Her presentation "Fearlessly Authentic: The Story of Self" is scheduled for March 28 in Orlando, Fla.Resources:A Q&A with Jamira Burley: Redefining the Term Expert and Creating Workspaces Where People Can Be AuthenticiamheretoJamira Burley 2023 DMEC FMLA/ADA Employer Compliance Conference March 27-30 in Orlando, Fla.

What's the best way to protect employers and provide for employees who are pregnant? "Avoid lawsuits," advises Marjory Robertson, Esq., assistant vice president and senior counsel for Sun Life, in this episode of Absence Management Perspectives: A DMEC Podcast. The topic is especially timely with new legislation that requires employers with at least 15 employees to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees. The issue of how (and whether) to accommodate pregnant workers could get easier for employers once the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act become effective June 27, 2023. Listen in to this episode for insights on court cases that illustrate the costs and complexity involved now and how the federal legislation could change behavior to ensure all employees are treated equally and fairly.Resources noted during the podcast:Navigating the Complex Web of Pregnancy and Parental Leave Laws and Programs feature article in @Work magazine: http://dmec.org/2022/11/20/navigating-the-complex-web-of-pregnancy-and-parental-leave-laws-and-programs/DMECommunities: http://dmec.org/resources/dmecommunities/ Insights from Marjory Robertson about recent court cases on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marjoryrobertson