@work

2025 Technology and Innovation Issue

November-December 2025

Employers are reimagining workplace leave and accommodation management with innovative ideas and technological advances that help streamline processes, so there is more time to focus on employee experience. Find practical examples of successful technology implementation and guidance for how to avoid common pitfalls in this issue of @Work magazine. Readers will find context and data from the DMEC AI Think Tank as well as tips and tools focused on how employers are improving compliance and enhancing staff and employee experiences with innovative approaches that include (but are not limited to) technological solutions. The magazine is a DMEC member benefit that helps unlock possibilities for employers of all industries and sizes. The Expanded Perspectives section is open to the public.

The CEO's Desk

Safe Passage: The Guided Future of AI

The DMEC AI Think Tank, funded by PERKY, is helping employers deploy machine technologies ethically and effectively, which prepares teams for success from day one. Get details.

Spotlight Articles

Compliance Showcase

Educating Your Supervisors About Employee Leave Rights

Educating managers and supervisors about local, state, and federal leave laws is becoming increasingly important.

Program Showcase

PFML: To Private Plan or Not to Private Plan: That is the Question

Are you wondering if a private plan is right for you in mandated statutory paid family and medical leave (PFML) states? Are you more confused by the options and requirements than you were by Shakespeare? Get context for choices in this question-answer format.

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.

As more employers adopt technological solutions, workplace leave and accommodation professionals must shift their perspectives to see these tools as a complement, not a replacement, for their work.

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.

DMEC Podcast

As the leave management landscape continues to morph and change across the U.S., employers are getting more creative with how they support employees, and recognizing the need to lead with heart. With higher employee expectations for benefit plan and program design, DMEC subject matter experts note that employers are giving more than ever before during this episode of the DMEC podcast. Listen in for insights from Kristin Jones, CLMS, PHR, SHRM-CP, Director, DMEC Education Programs; Jess Dudley, CLMS, CPDM, DMEC Senior Education Manager; and Virginia Cyrus, DMEC Education Manager.

Columns

Absence Matters
Some employers and employees are starting to adopt an “AI first” mindset that uses artificial intelligence to complete initial claim triage, draft emails and other communications, and perform daily responsibilities of leave management professionals. Are you ready?
Common Sense Compliance
What’s the best way for employers to comply with the extensive legal requirements of absence and accommodation laws? Get commonsense tips for using technology strategically to ensure compliance.
Disabled Workforce
Use technology solutions to help you educate and engage employees and healthcare providers during the interactive process.
Employer Solutions
The fear of missing out is one that many people grapple with when it comes to technology, but how can leave management professionals get ahead of that to create strategies for success?
Engaging Today’s
What are the three key elements to achieving a more automated process that puts less strain on HR resources?
Featured Case
How should employers handle employees suspected of abusing leave? Learn from one case example where the employer got it right.

DMEC Resources

DMEC News
Explore the latest updates from DMEC, including the release of a new AI Think Tank white paper, recognition of the 2025 Emerging Leader Award winner, and the launch of the Illinois State Leave Laws Microcredential Course. Learn about the 2025 Leave Management Survey, new benchmarking resources, and tips for maximizing your DMEC member benefits. Stay informed, inspired, and connected to the evolving world of leave management.
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© 2025. 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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