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 Dashboards Strategies for Managing Excessive Use of Leave 2024 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 Conference Navigating PFML Options, a DMEC @Work magazine column that we have unlocked for podcast

“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 Conference Amberley Snyder Walk, Ride,

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 Demographics DMEC Mental Health Resources &

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

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