As an employee interested in taking FMLA, you need to understand your legal rights. You also need to understand what could go wrong from your employer’s side of things.
Every year, companies of all sizes make FMLA mistakes. Some do so knowingly while others make an honest mistake. Either way, it is the employee who ends up in a worse spot.
Here are some of the most common FMLA mistakes, all of which you should watch out for if you are an employee interested in taking a leave:
— When your leave is not counted as FMLA by the company
— Disciplinary action for taking FMLA leave
— Denying individuals leave when they are entitled to it
— Failing to properly communicate all FMLA policies and procedures
— Somebody managing FMLA who does not know the finer details of the law
— Removing employees from their positions while they are away on FMLA leave
— Terminating a person’s job during one’s leave
— Neglecting to provide a reasonable accommodation, if necessary
Some companies understand FMLA and will do whatever it takes to make all the right decisions on behalf of their employees. Then there are those who don’t want workers taking time off, so they make it extremely difficult to request and take this type of leave.
As an employee, you have the right to learn more about the Family Medical Leave Act. This means understanding your rights, as well as what your employer is required to do as outlined by the law in Florida. Having this knowledge will work in your favor.
Source: ERC, “9 Common (and Avoidable) FMLA Mistakes,” accessed Jan. 28, 2016
