Providing state-mandated sick leave, vacation or combined paid time off to employees is easy. Figuring out how to handle employees' use and misuse of that time is a far bigger challenge. What is an excused absence? When can you ask the employee to provide a doctor's note? How do you address excessive absenteeism without inviting a disability discrimination lawsuit?
In this informative seminar, employment law attorney Karen L. Gabler will discuss a variety of issues related to employees' use and abuse of paid time off policies and related legal risks for the employer. Topics covered will include the following:
Pros and cons of sick and vacation leave policies vs. PTO policies
"Unlimited vacation" policies (and the discrimination pitfalls to avoid)
Cashing out unused paid time off: how, when and why
When is an absence "excused," and why does it matter?
When is an absence "approved," and why does it matter?
Proper notice of absence (and how to handle lack of proper notice)
When can you ask for a doctor's note (and should you?)
How to handle "family emergencies" and other vague excuses for absence
Should employees be allowed to "go negative" on their paid time off?
Can you recover a negative PTO balance at termination?
Can you discipline an employee who is absent without available paid time off?
Can you terminate for excessive absenteeism? When and how?
Can you terminate for job abandonment? (Hint: why you should never do so)
What to say (and not to say!) in attendance-related disciplinary memos