@work

2024 Americans with Disabilities Act and Return to Work Issue

September-October 2024

This issue of the magazine encourages employers to step outside the traditional confines and seek new ways to support diverse groups of employees. It champions the notion that returning to work can be part of the healing process when a leave is necessary and provides examples of how employers can encourage employees to return to work as soon as possible. Read about the bravery needed to test new approaches to accommodations and the willingness to expand the concept of disability and absence management to be more inclusive. The issue, focused on compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Return to Work, includes articles about how employers can support employees diagnosed with cancer, benchmarking tips, how to avoid legal missteps after a leave of absence, ways to create accessible environments for employees with different types of disabilities, and more.

The CEO's Desk

While it’s easy to get mired in administrative clutter when fielding requests for accommodations, ensuring you focus first on stay-at-work options whenever employees request accommodation is the best way to ensure that everyone comes out whole!

Spotlight Articles

Compliance Showcase

Dangers Lurk in State Discrimination Accommodation Laws

Multi-state employers have their hands full with federal as well as state and local laws, and must not forget about state disability accommodation laws that have specific requirements!

Program Showcase

High Stakes for Employers Dealing with Chronic Conditions in the Workplace

Should long COVID be considered a workers’ compensation issue or something that would be covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act, or both?

Expanded Perspectives:
@Work To Share

DMEC provides the following @Work magazine articles and podcast episodes to offer additional perspectives on and increase awareness of integrated absence management trends and challenges. The resources — available to members and nonmembers — can be shared with your colleagues and through social media channels.

DMEC Podcast

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.

DMEC Podcast

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. 

DMEC Podcast

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!

DMEC Podcast

Industry benchmarks helped Jenny Haykin, integrated leaves and accommodations program manager for Puget Sound Energyidentify “excessive leave utilization” and reduce short-term disability by 45%! Listen in to learn how she did it.

Columns

Common Sense Compliance
How do you manage the process of employees returning to work from medical leaves and ensure compliance with an increasing number of laws? Follow these six commonsense tips!
The Disabled Workforce
How can employers keep the interactive process going when employees do not participate? You may have more options than you realize! Consider these suggestions to ensure you cover all of your bases!
Employer Solutions
Considering that one in four Americans has a disability, it is essential to create and maintain inclusive company cultures and environments. This requires diligence and knowledge to ensure employee work environments are and remain welcoming, accommodating, and — perhaps most importantly — adaptable.
Engaging Today’s Workforce
How do you ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act? Most employers know what is required, but how do you make sure you’re on the right path?
Featured Case
How should employers handle requests for extensions from employees diagnosed with cancer, who are out on approved leaves?
Benchmarking
Performance benchmarking can help employers ensure they are on track with expectations and uncover opportunities for improvement. Learn how.
Absence Matters
As employers require employees to return to offices, data shows an increase in the number of requests for intermittent leave. Before denying such requests, take the steps outlined in this column!

DMEC Resources

DMEC is committed to helping members succeed in an increasingly complex environment! Toward that end, we have just completed phase one of a website refresh that focuses on search functionality to reveal valuable resources!
Stone colonnade and stairs detail. Classical pillars row in a building facade

Legislative and Paid Sick Leave Updates

Check out the latest federal, state, and local compliance updates on the DMEC Legislative Updates page, and don’t miss new updates on paid sick leave that have been introduced through a variety of state and local regulations. It is essential for employers to remain informed about ongoing changes in order to effectively adapt. And follow DMEC on TwitterFacebook, and LinkedIn for additional insight and up-to-date news

DMECommunities

The DMECommunities Americans with Disabilities Act Group offers a forum to pose questions, get guidance from colleagues, find resources, and more! This exclusive online networking group gives DMEC members the opportunity to connect with industry peers, ask/answer questions, share resources, and seek feedback. Get started.

@Work

@Work™ magazine is the official publication of the Disability Management Employer Coalition. Copyright© 2024. Disability Management Employer Coalition (DMEC). All rights reserved.

Editorial Staff

Editor: Heather Grimshaw
Editorial Advisory Group Members: Linda Croushore, Rebecca Fisco, Jenny Haykin, Terri Morris, Fred Schott, Jessica Thornton, and Lori Vickory

Editorial Policy

The goal of @Work is to present industry and Association news, highlight member achievements, and promote the exchange of specialized professional information. The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Association, its staff, board of directors, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers does not constitute an endorsement of products or services featured in this, past, or subsequent issues of this publication. DMEC makes no representations, warranties, or assurances as to accuracy of the information contained in the articles, and no content herein is legal or tax advice. Consult appropriate professionals for legal or tax advice.

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