@work

2026 Employer Compliance Issue

January-March 2026

Adhering to a growing number of laws and regulations is one part (albeit a big one) to employer compliance. It is influenced by all areas of workplace accommodation and leave management — from understanding hundreds of leave laws and regulations to creating consistent policies and processes, investing in empathetic human interactions, and cultivating a culture of caring. And that is just the beginning. The need to take a wider view of employer compliance is illustrated throughout this issue of @Work magazine, which is written by and for DMEC members. 

The CEO's Desk

Setting a New Bar for Compliance

Effective compliance with leave and accommodation laws does not happen in isolation. It requires a coordinated, enterprisewide approach that connects health and safety, workforce planning, education, and clear, consistent policies.

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

Hear insights on education trends that set employers up for greater success, including a shift toward competency-based analyses that ensure employees have a clear roadmap for growth that aligns with employer expectations and leads to smarter hiring choices for employers, more focused development, and stronger performance management. Get the inside scoop from DMEC Education gurus Kristin Jones, CLMS, PHR, SHRM-CP, Director, Education Programs, and Laura Boll, CLMS, Experiential Learning Manager.

DMEC Podcast

Parental leave may serve as a signal for how organizations treat employees. Would yours be green, yellow, or red? Listen in to this episode with Allison Whalen, cofounder, CEO, Parentaly, who shares recent data findings and insights into how employers benefit from a strategic plan for parental leave.

DMEC Podcast

Ditching the word psychedelic is helping employers embrace therapies that show “groundbreaking results” including faster recovery and more productive employees, explains Sherry Rais, CEO and co-founder of Enthea, in this episode. In addition to health improvements, these therapies can lead to lower healthcare costs and lower disability costs. Hear more about psychedelic-assisted therapies that can be effective with treatment-resistant patients, studies underway in this episode of the DMEC podcast

Columns

Absence Matters
Employers always seem to struggle with how to identify and handle suspected fraud when dealing with intermittent leave requests. While these matters can be daunting, employers can proactively take steps to help address suspected fraud before taking action.
Common Sense Compliance
Leading with empathy helps improve compliance, according to research that shows engaged employees are 60% less likely to make errors and 24% more productive than their disengaged peers. Learn how to do it.
Disabled Workforce
How can you turn supervisors into your greatest asset during the interactive process?
Employer Solutions
The concept of “mattering” is increasingly important. Learn about the concept and how managers can embrace and practice it at work.
Engaging Today’s Workforce
Ensuring your employees know which artificial intelligence tools, functionalities, and vendors are approved or appropriate to use in their daily work can lead to empowerment and higher productivity.
Featured Case
It is important for employers to ensure compliance with the PWFA to avoid lawsuits and, on a more basic level, to support employees and maintain productivity. Learn about common mistakes you can avoid.
Feature story
What is the best way for employers to include reassignment as an accommodation?

DMEC Resources

DMEC News
Stay informed and inspired with the latest from DMEC—explore a new microcredential on pregnancy rights and accommodations, register for the 2026 DMEC Compliance Conference, meet the newly formed Leadership Council, discover a new policymaker community and strategic policy blueprint, and catch up on recent Absence Management Perspectives podcasts covering education trends, parental leave planning, mental health innovations, and more.
Rolled newspaper with the headline Changes in legislation

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 Facebook and LinkedIn for additional insight and up-to-date news

DMECommunities

The DMECommunities Technology Solutions 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© 2026. 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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Seth Turner, Chief Strategy Officer
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