In 2025, managing employee leave has become increasingly intricate for HR professionals. Beyond balancing company policies and workers’ compensation claims, employers must navigate the evolving requirements of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA). Recent regulatory updates, including Department of Labor (DOL) clarifications and state-level changes to Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) programs, make compliance a critical focus for HR departments nationwide. This webinar will walk you through this complex landscape to ensure compliance, reduce risks, and enhance your organization’s leave management policies.

Areas Covered:-

• FMLA and State Paid Leave Integration: Understand the January 2025 DOL clarification that prohibits employers from requiring employees to substitute accrued paid leave when receiving compensation from state or local PFML programs.
• Intermittent Leave under the FMLA: Master the entitlements and calculations related to intermittent leave.
• Defining Serious Health Conditions: Learn what qualifies under FMLA guidelines.
• ADA Compliance and Reasonable Accommodation: Identify when a leave of absence constitutes a reasonable accommodation and clarify the role of attendance as an essential job function.
• EEOC Guidelines under the PDA: Gain insights into 2025 updates on pregnancy discrimination compliance.
• Handling Excessive Absenteeism: Navigate termination scenarios without violating employee rights.
• Concurrent Leave Management: Learn to run paid leaves alongside FMLA entitlements for seamless management.
• State-Level PFML Updates: Stay informed about key changes in California, New York, and Connecticut PFML programs for 2025.

2025 Regulatory Updates:

• DOL Clarification on FMLA and State Paid Leave Programs
  • The Department of Labor clarified on January 14, 2025, that employers cannot require employees to substitute accrued employer-provided paid leave when employees receive compensation from state or local paid family and medical leave programs. This aligns with policies prohibiting substitution when employees receive disability or workers’ compensation benefits, ensuring equitable treatment across various compensation sources
• State-Level PFML Changes
  • California: Effective January 1, 2025, California has enhanced its Paid Family Leave and Disability Insurance benefits, raising the maximum weekly benefit amount to $1,681 to provide greater financial support during qualifying leave periods.
  • New York: The state adjusted its maximum weekly Paid Family Leave benefit to $1,177.32, alongside an updated employee contribution rate of 0.388% of wages per pay period, with an annual cap of $354.53.
  • Connecticut: The state expanded its paid sick leave law to include employers with 25 or more employees. Definitions of eligible employees and family members were broadened, and accrual rates and documentation requirements updated for comprehensive support.

In-Depth Insights for 2025 Compliance:
With the DOL clarifications and state PFML program updates introduced in 2025, HR professionals must adapt their leave management policies to align with these changes. This webinar equips attendees with the knowledge and tools to stay compliant, manage leave effectively, and foster a workplace that balances legal requirements with employee needs.

Join us to navigate the evolving employee leave landscape confidently and ensure compliance with FMLA, ADA, PDA, and state-specific PFML regulations. Stay informed, protect your organization, and support your workforce with best-in-class leave management strategies in 2025 and beyond!

Key Points:-

• Master FMLA leave entitlements: Understand intermittent leave requirements, serious health condition definitions, and calculation methods.
• ADA and reasonable accommodations: Learn when leave of absence qualifies as a reasonable accommodation and whether attendance is an essential job function.
• 2025 PDA compliance: Stay updated on EEOC guidelines for pregnancy-related accommodations.
• State PFML updates: Learn about financial enhancements and expanded eligibility in California, New York, and Connecticut.
• Managing paid and unpaid leaves: Discover best practices for running paid leaves concurrently with FMLA to streamline processes.
• Proactive compliance: Address excessive absenteeism and tardiness without legal repercussions.

Why Should You Attend?
This webinar is your opportunity to:

• Gain a thorough understanding of 2025 regulatory updates for FMLA, ADA, and PFML programs.
• Ensure your organization’s leave policies comply with federal and state regulations.
• Navigate the complexities of managing employee leaves while minimizing risks.
• Stay ahead of legal updates to create a compliant, employee-centric workplace.
• Learn strategies to address leave-related challenges effectively.

Who Will Benefit?
This webinar is designed for:

• HR Professionals and Leave Management Coordinators handling leave-related processes.
• Compliance Officers and Benefits Administrators ensure adherence to federal and state regulations.
• Employee Relations Managers, Legal Advisors, and Payroll Administrators manage policy updates and compliance.
• Managers and Supervisors are responsible for daily operations and workforce management.