One of our employees is returning from FMLA next month. Is it okay for their manager to contact them before they return?

by | May 12, 2025 | Human Resources, Time & Attendance

Yes. Employer-initiated contact during a protected leave is permissible, but it should be minimal and limited to necessary updates (like relocation of the workplace or a change in operating hours), confirmation of return dates, or expressions of goodwill. Occasional,...

What Employers Should Know About Pregnancy Discrimination

by | Jun 30, 2023 | Human Resources

Pregnancy discrimination happens when an employer treats an applicant or employee unfavorably because they’re pregnant, gave birth to a child, or have a medical condition related to their pregnancy or childbirth. Despite being against the law, pregnancy discrimination...

How do we know if we’re required to provide FMLA for our employees?

by | Jun 14, 2023 | Employment Law, Human Resources

Answer from Jenny, SPHR, SHRM-SCP: The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides covered employees job-protected, unpaid leave for family or medical related reasons, such as to care for a sick family member or the birth or adoption of a child. Private sector...

FMLA Turns 30: Let’s Get Back to Basics

by | Feb 12, 2023 | Employment Law, Human Resources

For 30 years, HR professionals have been working with the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), a federal law enacted to protect employees’ jobs and medical insurance when they need to take unpaid time away from work for certain family and medical reasons. While FMLA...

Can we discipline an employee for working for another employer during FMLA?

by | Sep 18, 2022 | Human Resources

Answer from Megan, JD, SPHR: Yes, in two circumstances. First, you can discipline the employee if their other job violates your outside employment (aka moonlighting) policy. Second, you can discipline an employee who obtained FMLA leave fraudulently. If, however, you...