| Family Medical Leave Act - FMLA The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) was created to provide employees with the peace of mind that they would not lose their jobs if they are unable to work to care for themselves or a family member that requires ongoing medical or personal care. Employees are not paid for this time off unless they use their own accumulated vacation and /or sick time, but they will not lose their job due to their absence. In order to not create a hardship on the employer, specific rules and guidelines are used which include a time limit of 12 weeks off per 12-month period. This law helps families with the birth or adoption of new babies so that the mother does not have to go back to work so soon after the birth and to provide fathers with the ability to stay home and assist. Another feature that helps small employers is that it only applies to companies that employ more than 50 employees within 75 miles of the worksite. Small businesses have a harder time keeping a needed position open when a productive employee is needed to help the company keep up with demands. During this time away from the business, an employee is able to continue his / her benefits but at his / her expense, the employer is not obligated to pay its customary percentage of medical coverage premiums. While an employer needs to track specific information for leaves of absences that fall under FMLA, a payroll company would be able to provide the employer with reports giving them information on tracking length of time not on the payroll, use of vacation and sick time, and tracking the amounts of any ongoing medical or other deductions. These reports help employers make sure that they continue to abide by the laws and regulations of this national law. |