New FMLA regulations prompt new leave tracking software

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Due to the new Family and Medical Leave Act regulations that took effect on Jan. 16, the leave administration process has changed. Human resources professionals now must grapple with the tasks of administering and tracking leave for family members of military personnel, while a host of new forms also have added to the confusion. J.J. Keller & Associates Inc. says that in order to help HR professionals simplify the process and comply with the new regulations, it has launched a new software program – FMLA Manager II.

“A SHRM survey reported that 80 percent of HR professionals were having difficulties tracking intermittent leave, and that was before the new FMLA regulations took effect,” says Darlene Clabault, an HR subject matter expert with J.J. Keller, based in Neenah, Wis. “With the new regulations in place, the number of reasons for leave has grown, and unfortunately, so has tracking confusion and uncertainty. HR professionals have to be prepared to properly administer and track leave.”

J.J. Keller says FMLA Manager II walks HR professionals through the administration process one step at a time to help them determine appropriate actions to take; it automates the tracking process to help reduce errors and inconsistency that can lead to noncompliance, granting unnecessary leave – even lawsuits.

The software program is designed to offer HR professionals a simple way to:

  • Track federal, state and company-specific leave simultaneously or separately, including the new service member care and qualifying exigency military family leave provisions;
  • Track intermittent leave by any time increment they choose;
  • Generate the necessary FMLA paperwork, including forms updated due to the new regulations;
  • Get e-mail reminders regarding required actions, such as receipt of a certification;
  • View running totals on leave time used and remaining for each employee; and
  • Print and e-mail updated forms that are filled in automatically.
  • An optional annual Web-delivered update service also is available to provide subscribers with the latest updates to the FMLA regulations, product enhancements, technical support and a helpful guide to ensure the user is getting the most from their investment. The update service also includes an “Ask J.J. Keller” feature, allowing subscribers to e-mail their specific FMLA questions to J.J. Keller’s subject matter experts.

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