Take a look at the diverse landscape of less-noticed leave with our new [eBook](http://optis.com/thought-leadership-download?nid=279), or start a free trial of [LeaveXpert](https://www.leavexpert.com/) today.
Managing FMLA and Employee Leave in Washington? Here's What You Need to Know
Managing Leave in Connecticut? Here's What You Need to Know
Take a look at the diverse landscape of less-noticed leave with our new [eBook](http://optis.com/thought-leadership-download?nid=279), or start a free trial of [LeaveXpert](https://www.leavexpert.com/) today.
Managing FMLA and Employee Leave in Illinois? Here's What You Need to Know
Take a look at the diverse landscape of less-noticed leave with our new [eBook](http://optis.com/thought-leadership-download?nid=279), or start a free trial of [LeaveXpert](https://www.leavexpert.com/) today.
Managing FMLA and Employee Leave in Colorado? Here's What You Need to Know
Employers Beware: Don’t Discourage FMLA Usage
It’s always good to be reminded about behaviors or policies that could lead to legal trouble. One such reminder comes from section 105 of the FMLA, which indicates that interfering, restraining or improperly denying the benefits of the FMLA also includes not discouraging in any way usage of the FMLA. If this message was clear and obvious to all employers, then it would seem violations of this nature wouldn’t still occur, but unfortunately, they do.
Going All-in Next Week at #DMEC2014 in Vegas
We’re packing our bags and going all-in for the [2014 DMEC Annual Conference](http://dmec.org/annual-conference/) next week at the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas. We’ll be at booth 412 talking with HR folks about the challenges they face while managing employee leave. We’ll also be doing a drawing for a Tory Burch handbag and an iPad mini, so stop by and test your luck for a chance to win.
*Here’s a list of tid-bits to know to become a “high-roller” in managing FMLA leave:*
+ FMLA has been around for over 20 years, and we would put our money on expanding guidelines.
Leave Updates for Minnesota Employers: The Minnesota Women’s Economic Security Act
The Minnesota Women's Economic Security Act was recently signed into a law, providing women with more protections in the workplace. Here are a few items to have on your radar going forward if you are an employer in Minnesota with 21 or more employees -
+ Pregnancy and parenting leave under the Minnesota Parental Leave Act is expanded from 6 weeks to 12 weeks. The leave may be used for pregnancy-related needs. Also, employers must engage in the interactive process regarding accommodations requests related to pregnancy.
The Land of Unusual Leaves – It’s a Jungle Out There
We know it’s a jungle out there when it comes to managing employee leaves of absence. Eligibility determinations, intermittent leave tracking, and keeping management in the loop can be a headache for HR with even having just one employee out on leave. Staying on top of state leave documentation alone can be time-consuming, especially if you have a manual process in place.
10 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About the FMLA That You Can Learn at SHRM
We’re packing our bags for the SHRM Conference next week in sunny Orlando Florida! We’ll be at booth 370 talking with HR folks about the challenges they face while managing employee leave. We're also having a drawing at our booth for a Tory Burch handbag and an iPad mini.
*Here’s a list of ten things you probably didn’t know related to FMLA leave that you can learn more about by visiting us at booth 370:*
1. FMLA has been around for over 20 years, and is trending to expand its guidelines.
Navigating the Land of Blood Donation Leave
World Blood Donor Day is this Saturday, June 14. This year, The World Health Organization (WHO) has established the theme of “Safe blood for saving mothers” to help generate awareness surrounding the importance of having timely access to blood donation. Worldwide, the number of deaths related primarily to blood loss is staggering. Here are some other facts about blood donation from the [American Red Cross](http://www.redcrossblood.org/learn-about-blood/blood-facts-and-statistics):
+ Every two seconds someone in the U.S.