The United States Department of Labor (DOL) Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) branch chief recently indicated that there will be an increase in enforcement of FMLA which may result in an increase in on-site visits by investigators. What will DOL inspectors find should they pay a visit to your office?
An inspection by the government, regulatory agency, or a peer business can be stressful. An inspector is solely focused on whether your business is complying with certain rules or regulations and they will look through your records with a fine-tooth comb. Depending on how well your team knows the applicable regulations, the inspector may be satisfied or they could find minor infractions or a larger violation. In some situations, a violation can result in a fine, penalty, or stoppage of work. According to “,” posted on hr.blr.com by Susan Schoenfeld, a DOL inspector may provide notice of an inspection; however, they also have the authority to visit unannounced. Either way, you need to be ready.
Part of FMLA compliance requires three years of recordkeeping that includes payroll information and details regarding the approved (or denied) FLMA leave taken by an employee. You must have information about compensation, including additions or reductions in pay; hours or days of FMLA leave; records requesting and approving the leave; records of dispute; and FMLA-related medical documents. Be ready for an inspection and quickly access payroll and leave data with the , a for your Microsoft Dynamics GP software solution.
You can create as many leave codes as you need within the Comprehensive Leave Manager, including vacation time, sick or personal business time, administrative leave, holiday or comp time, and FMLA instances. Define waiting periods or carry-over options and automatically pay out unused leave in accordance with your business’s policies or regulatory requirements. You can track leave time through the Comprehensive Leave Manager using filters by leave code or department, then export data using an Excel-based report to share with a manager or regulatory inspectors.
It appears as though the DOL is interested in inspecting the administration of FMLA situations. You can be ready if you have strong business management tools. Contact Integrity Data for more information about managing FMLA and other employee leave time with the Comprehensive Leave Manager.
By Integrity Data,
