Tag @work magazine article

A 2022 Spotlight on Absence Management Trends

It is fair to assume that the employment disruption we have experienced during the last couple of years will continue in 2022. But with two years of experience under our belts, we should be able to anticipate some of the twists and turns ahead. One common thread amid the uncertainty we have faced is that the role of absence management professionals continues to expand in scope and influence.

Technology Helps Employers Customize Leaves and Reduce Employee Confusion

Employers invest a significant amount of money in benefits to support employees and to bolster recruitment and retention efforts. Yet studies show that most American workers don’t understand their benefits. There is an opportunity for employers to reduce confusion — and build trust and loyalty — by helping employees understand their leave entitlements and use them.

DMEC News: January 2022

2022 sign pinned on a blue background
DMEC News
As we enter 2022, DMEC prepares to launch our second microcredential course on FMLA medical certifications and welcomes four new Employer Advisory Council members and two new National sponsors.

The Disabled Workforce: Using Technology to Create Systems

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Up to 11% of employees in the U.S. are applying for vaccine exemptions, and many employers do not have the knowledge or capacity to manage the volume of requests. While some organizations will outsource this work, many won’t have that luxury. However, it’s possible to leverage the technology on hand to improve efficiency.

Leave Technology: Small Employers

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Several software solutions have been introduced to help employers manage the complexities of leave and accommodation requests. Initially catering to larger employers, vendors soon recognized a need to create solutions for small- and medium-sized businesses with fewer than 1,000 employees that were affordable and simple to operationalize.

Featured Case: Responding to Vague FMLA Requests

Man sitting with his head in his hand looking sad
FMLA regulations require employees to provide notice of leave to employers. Those seeking leave for the first time do not need to reference the FMLA but must provide sufficient information to demonstrate it is necessary. Recent court cases illustrate the need for employers to reevaluate leave request processes and provide clear guidance on criteria that substantiates requests.

Common Sense Compliance: Technology Supports Business Needs & Privacy

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Technology solutions can make remote training more engaging, interactive, and even entertaining. Emerging services and technologies help employers manage an increasingly remote workforce securely and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws.

Employer Solutions: Balancing Technology and the Human Touch

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The need for leave is purely human. Yet the process isn’t always as human-centered as we’d like it to be. As employers outsource their disability and leave administration, they need to assess whether their vendor partners combine predictive analytics with automation to ensure employee leaves are handled with clarity as well as compassion.

Engaging Today’s Workforce: An Ongoing Shift to Telehealth

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72% of employees say their health, safety, and protection, as well as that of their families, is more important than ever before. Technology innovations such as telehealth, which enable employees to access care from anywhere, help them meet their health goals.

Integrated Absence Management: Hybrid Enrollment

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The shift toward remote work has created more flexibility for employees and opportunities to work for companies outside their local areas. This rapidly changing workforce creates a need for continual education for new employees and ongoing enrollment options.