FMLA changes: Survey shows employers lack communication

Less than one third of employers have discussed the recent changes to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) with their employees, according to a survey by Compensation.BLR.com and HR.BLR.com.

Survey respondents revealed that:

• 40% had not communicated the FMLA changes to employees.
• 32% said while they haven’t communicated the changes yet, they plan to do so.
• 28% said they had already communicated the recent changes to the FMLA to employees.

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) published the new FMLA rules on November 17, 2008 and they became effective on January 16, 2009. The changes to the FMLA regulations introduced a slew of changes that employers and employees need to be aware of.

Many of the changes were designed to improve communication between employers and employees. The new FMLA ruling includes clarifications and new requirements on how and what employers must communicate to employees. It also includes clarifications and new requirements on when and how employees notify their employer on their need for FMLA leave.

The final rule includes benefits for some military families that give special job-protected leave rights to family members of injured service men and women, and also helps families of members of the National Guard and Reserves manage their affairs when the service member is called to active duty.

For a more detailed breakdown of the changes to the FMLA, read this earlier post: FMLA regulations, what employers need to know.

To avoid the most common mistakes when interpreting the new FMLA rules, take a look at the ComplyRight Now E-Guide: New 2009 FMLA Regulations - What Employers Need to Know. This downloadable guide provides a complete overview of the new rules and employers’ responsibilities under the FMLA.

FMLA changes: Survey shows employers lack communication