How HR Gets FMLA Wrong – And How to Fix It for 2026

What You Don’t Know Could Cost You—Big

FMLA should be easy. But it’s not.

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is one of the most commonly mismanaged federal laws in the workplace. Why? Because it’s confusing, constantly evolving, and full of traps even seasoned HR pros and managers fall into.

It only takes one mistake to end up facing:

• A Department of Labor investigation
• An employee lawsuit for interference or retaliation
• Thousands in back pay, fines, and legal fees
• A shattered employee relationship you can’t repair

Here’s the problem:

• FMLA eligibility rules keep changing.
• Remote work has thrown old assumptions out the window.
• Mental health and intermittent leave requests are skyrocketing.
• Employees don’t always use the magic words “FMLA,” but you’re still on the hook.
• Even “good intentions” can lead to illegal retaliation claims.

And the kicker? You’re responsible for knowing all this — and training your managers to get it right too.

If you’ve ever…

• Questioned whether an employee actually qualifies for leave
• Wondered what counts as a “serious health condition”
• Struggled with intermittent or remote workers abusing leave
• Discovered paperwork wasn’t returned — and weren’t sure what to do
• Been accused of retaliation just for enforcing policy

…then you’re already at risk.

This fast-moving, practical webinar will get you up to date for 2026 and beyond. We’ll cover:

• Who actually qualifies for FMLA (and who doesn’t — including remote & boomerang workers)
• The correct 12-month tracking method for your business
• How to write and enforce call-in rules that protect you
• What to do when paperwork is late or missing
• How to handle mental health and intermittent leave requests properly
• How the ADA and FMLA intersect — and how to avoid double trouble
• What retaliation really looks like (and how to prevent claims)
• Best practices for contacting employees on leave and managing return-to-work

Don’t let your next FMLA request turn into your next big HR nightmare.

• Protect your company.
• Protect your employees
• Protect yourself.

Who Should Attend?

This webinar is a must for anyone responsible for managing leave, staying compliant, or keeping employee relations intact:

• HR professionals & business partners — If you touch FMLA requests, leave tracking, or manager training, you can’t afford to miss this.
• Managers & supervisors — You’re often the first to mishandle an FMLA situation. Learn what to say (and what NOT to say) when employees request time off.
• Small business owners & executives — If you’re crossing or nearing the 50-employee threshold, you’re already on the hook.
• Compliance officers & in-house counsel — The risk of retaliation and interference claims keeps climbing. Make sure your organization is protected.
• Operations & team leads — Learn how to keep workflows moving without crossing the line on leave interference.
• Anyone who has ever wondered:
  • “What happens if they don’t turn in the paperwork?”
  • “Can I call them while they’re on leave?”
  • “Do I have to approve intermittent leave for this?”
  • “Why is everyone suddenly claiming mental health leave?”

If you’re responsible for your company’s compliance, your team’s productivity, and your own peace of mind — this webinar is for you.