Let’s face it. Managing employee leave isn’t the most glamorous aspect of HR or workforce management. But it’s certainly among the most challenging. The legal and regulatory backdrop to leave management is complex, and it varies based on factors that range from where you do business to the size of your company. You feel as if the rules are ever-changing. It’s like doing business in an amusement park fun house; it’s a challenge to keep your footing, hard to know if what you’re seeing is real, and difficult to get a firm hold on the rail to help lead you through the maze.
Are You Keeping Pace with Developments in Leave Management?
Transitioning from Manual FMLA Tracking to a Cloud Solution: Part II
*Two weeks ago, we discussed the [first two steps of transitioning from manual FMLA tracking to a cloud solution](http://optis.com/blog/transitioning-manual-fmla-tracking-cloud-solution-part-i). This week, we’re exploring Step 3.*
**Step 3: Investigate the options**
Bad habits are hard to break. But, as the saying goes, “The definition of crazy is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” Sure, it may be hard to let go of your paper-based FMLA tracking process because of the familiarity, the consistency, your habit – call it what you will.
Three Ways to Manage Absenteeism Smarter, Not Harder
We all want to work smarter, not harder. (Such a catchy little phrase.)
The problem that most of us face when inspired by this phrase is how to get started. What exactly can we do ‘smarter’ or more efficiently? How can we accomplish all there is to be done, without additional hard work?
When managing workplace absenteeism, the conundrum is no different. Leaves are requested, notifications need to be sent, certifications need to be received, time needs to be tracked, and leave laws need to be followed.
How to Manage DOMA & FMLA (Hint: Cloud-Software)
DOMA and FMLA. FMLA and DOMA. There’s so much to know! So many changes to make! So many acronyms to understand! So much work for leave managers!
Wait, there’s always been a lot of work for leave managers. *We’re used to that.*
Our take on the [strike down of DOMA and the impacts on FMLA](http://www.shrm.org/LegalIssues/FederalResources/Pages/DOMA-FMLA.aspx)? Well, if you’re managing leave in the cloud, you only have two things to do:
1. Know the states that recognize same-sex marriages and same-sex marriages in other jurisdictions.
Keeping up with the ... FMLA Regulations
We all love a little drama now and then. If we didn’t, TV shows about rich, dramatic families wouldn’t be so popular.
But, drama in real life is a little less fun. Especially when it’s your work life. When we think of drama at work, the first thing that comes to mind is FMLA tracking (and maybe a little water cooler gossip).
It’s fun to keep up with the latest relationship, who’s expecting, or the next big move on TV. However, at work it can be more challenging. In the role of HR, FMLA requires us keep up with all of the major life (and subsequent leave) events for every employee.