Lincoln Absence Advisor

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As another year of the Lincoln Absence Advisor podcast series concludes, we’re continuing to build on what we’ve learned to help you prepare for the future. This season’s final episode highlights parting words from our diverse group of guests who offer expertise in every facet of leave management — including account management, legal compliance, operations, claims, vocational rehabilitation, and more — as they sum up a unique situations, focus on the essentials, and provide helpful insights and strategies to support your company’s leave and disability program.

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Extended leave, gap time, sabbatical. Whatever the name, it offers employees time they may need to attend to personal matters — and may help attract and retain talent. Meta’s benefit program manager joins the latest Lincoln Absence Advisor as we explore the benefits of this unique extended personal leave. We’ll also discuss how other organizations may approach similar programs and how they handle scheduling, manager education, and workflow.

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Oregon and Colorado are the next two states developing paid family and medical leave (PFML) programs with private plan options. In this episode of Lincoln Absence Advisor, we explore where each state stands, what we know about their private plan processes, and what employers should consider when deciding whether to opt for a private plan. Lincoln leave professionals will also help employers who have chosen a private plan focus on what needs to be done now, what’s coming next, and what remains to be decided by each state.

Resources mentioned: Episode 46 - State vs. private plans: Conversations and considerations

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Over half of current bankruptcies are due to medical bills. It takes a combination of benefits — health insurance, along with disability, leave, and supplemental health including accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity — to be prepared for and prevent devasting financial impacts. During this episode of Lincoln Absence Advisor, our benefits professionals discuss how supplemental health coverage can combine with disability and leave coverage to support on family needs, protect savings and income, and decrease financial stress that may interfere with a timely recovery and return to work.

Resources:

David U. Himmelstein et al, “Medical Bankruptcy in the United States, 2007: Results of a National Study,” The American Journal of Medicine, June 6, 2009
Lincolns Supplemental Health website

Additional sources:

Rose Conlon, "Nearly Half of Americans Would Have Trouble Paying an Unexpected $250 expense," Marketplace, October 15, 2002
“The Faces and Facts of Disability,” Social Security Administration, 2019
Glenn Pranky, MD et al, “Voluntary Not Voluntary,” Lincoln Financial Group, 2020
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2000-2021
LIMRA 2021

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Short-term disability isn’t a new benefit, but it is a valuable coverage both employees and employers need to understand to ensure they can take full advantage of its features. This Lincoln Absence Advisor podcast explores how STD is perceived, how it interacts with state PFML and company-sponsored leave, and how new trends may affect future STD program offerings.

Resources mentioned:

Podcast episode 50: First point of contact, first point of support

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In this Lincoln Absence Advisor episode, we look at how employers use the interactive process as a standardized framework to find accommodations for employees with disabilities and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Although not formally required, the interactive process is a best practice that helps employers track accommodations and denials, measure effectiveness, and ensure equitable handling of all requests. Members of Lincoln’s product and return-to-work teams help define the process and answer common employer questions. We’ll hear how using the interactive process can result in less liability and more cost-effective accommodations while improving employer retention and morale.

Resources: Lincoln’s Interactive Process Guide | Job Accommodation Network (JAN) | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

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In this episode of Lincoln Absence Advisor, we continue our conversation on the newest paid family and medical leave programs. We discuss what we know about Maryland and Delaware, as well as alternative solutions to paid family and medical leave programs in New Hampshire and Virginia. Find out about both state and private plans, differences between each state’s approach, timelines, and more. Tune in to keep up with the latest trends and plan essential next steps for your company.

Resources:

April Compliance report that offers an overview of Maryland
May Compliance report that offers an overview of Delaware
Lincoln Absence Advisor hub

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In this episode of Lincoln Absence Advisor, we continue our conversation on the newest paid family and medical leave programs. We discuss what we know about Maryland and Delaware, as well as alternative solutions to paid family and medical leave programs in New Hampshire and Virginia. Find out about both state and private plans, differences between each state’s approach, timelines, and more. Tune in to keep up with the latest trends and plan essential next steps for your company.

Resources:

April Compliance report that offers an overview of Maryland
May Compliance report that offers an overview of Delaware
Lincoln Absence Advisor hub

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This episode of Lincoln Absence Advisor focuses on a leave type that is becoming much more common – paternity leave. We are joined by three dads who reflect on their recent experiences and what they’ve learned about the importance and impact of this leave. Together, we’ll explore how employees can build a plan of action for leave, including discussing work issues with their manager and deciding whether to take intermittent or overlapping leaves with their partners, as well as how to coordinate different leave types such as paid time off; family and medical leave act (FMLA); and company paternity leave. Listen in and see how paternity leave, when done well, can not only help parents bond with their newborn, but can also build employee morale and engagement.

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What’s happening across the country in leave and absence management? This episode of Lincoln Absence Advisor discusses the key leave developments from this month’s compliance report. Our top stories include new legislation, including Delaware’s paid family and medical leave, Alabama’s Adoption Promotion Act, and additional leave programs for government employees in the District of Columbia and Houston, Texas. We also discuss draft rules of posting requirements for the New Jersey Family Leave Act.

Resources mentioned: April Compliance Report | Compliance Report Archive on the Lincoln Absence Advisor hub

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In addition to everyday responsibilities, managers have duties that may not happen as often but are just as important – including being the first point of contact and support for employees taking a leave of absence. This episode of Lincoln Absence Advisor brings together Lincoln absence and legal professionals to discuss what managers need to know as they help guide employees before, during, and after an absence. We’ll explore how managers can recognize the need for leave, offer support while respecting privacy, and help returning employees ease back in their role after their leave is done.

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It’s essential to keep up with the latest news, and that’s why we’re providing another option besides reading about them – now you can listen to the latest compliance news instead. During this episode of Lincoln Absence Advisor, we discuss April’s top stories – not just what is happening but also why, and how it may affect employers’ leave and absence decisions. This month’s stories focus on Washington state’s amendments to the family and medical leave program, EEOC guidance on discrimination against persons providing pandemic caregiving responsibilities, and Maryland’s announcement about paid family and medical leave.

Resources mentioned:

April Compliance Report | Compliance Report Archive on the Lincoln Absence Advisor hub | Washington’s page on rule making | The COVID-19 Pandemic and Caregiver Discrimination Under Federal Employment Discrimination Laws

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This episode focuses on a key aspect of the FMLA — job protection. Listen as three Lincoln absence and leave professionals discuss what job protection means under the FMLA, along with common viewpoints and misunderstandings from both an employer and employee point of view. We’re all hearing more about the importance of employee benefits and flexible work arrangements; our discussion focuses on what that means to the significance of the FMLA as a cornerstone of employee leave and job protection.

Resources mentioned in this episode: Conflict and Compromise by Ronald Elving, DOL’S FMLA Employer Guide, Wage and Hour Division by the numbers for FMLA

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This episode of Lincoln Absence Advisor provides a new way to digest our monthly leave and absence compliance report. Our reports explore each month’s leave and development news and have proven to be a popular feature – here we talk about the top stories, discuss why new developments are happening, and consider the implications from an employer’s point of view. This month, we’ll review topics such as the U.S. Department of Labor’s initiative to protect warehouse and logistic workers, California’s new FAQs and mandatory poster for the 2022 COVID-19 supplemental paid sick program, and important deadlines you need to know.

Download the March report or visit our webpage to see previous months.

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How do companies decide whether to go with their state PFML plan or choose a private option instead? In this episode of Lincoln Absence Advisor, we talk with two Lincoln national account executives who offer their years of experience guiding clients through this process. They discuss the many factors companies need to consider and how Lincoln can help them arrive at the decision that’s right for their situation. There’s a lot to weigh: employee experience, company demographics, cost, how many states employees work in, coordination with other programs, timelines, and available resources for implementation. It’s a unique decision for each company, but third party vendors like Lincoln can be a valuable part of the process and provide needed facts and feedback.

Sources mentioned in this episode: Lincoln Absence Advisor Compliance Reports

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In this episode of Lincoln Absence Advisor, we talk about one of the key factors — caregiving — behind what’s been called the “Great Resignation” in the American workforce. Our guests are well-versed in this trend, as they are all part of the Lincoln market intelligence team that conducts industry research and analyzes the latest relevant developments. Together, we discuss the effect caregiving demands are having on recruitment and retention and how employers can take proactive steps to address both financial and emotional challenges faced by employees with caregiving responsibilities.

Some of the information provided by guests came from these studies and articles:

Many of our findings came from Greenwald Research’s Survey on The Role of Work-Life Balance & Benefits in The Great Resignation. Here are some additional insights from Greenwald:
- “New Research Reveals Job-Seekers In Search Of Higher Pay, Work-Life Balance, and Emerging Benefits Amid the Great Resignation”
- Greenwald Research’s “2021 Retiree Insights”
“Return to Wellness After COVID-19” from Lincoln Financial Group
“Employers Respond to Great Resignation by Raising Pay, Improving Benefits” by SHRM

Other resources mentioned:

Webinar recording: “Shaping the Right Paid Leave Offering”
Podcast: “Watch Your Language: Getting Paid Leave Policy Language Right”

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We’ve been talking about and preparing for Connecticut Paid Family and Medical Leave, or CT PFML, for some time. Now that the program’s about to launch, we’ve taken time to dive into the final policy, identify how it differs from the preliminary information we received, and pinpoint questions that still need to be answered. On the latest Lincoln Absence Advisor podcast, Kristin Hostetter, Lincoln senior product manager, and Alexa Greenberg, Lincoln legal counsel, discuss these important aspects of CT PFML. They’ll share relevant dates you need to be aware of and address common questions about CT PFML and STD coordination, employee contributions, and more.

Resources mentioned: Preparing for 2022 Webinar

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When your company is building a paid leave policy, using the right policy language is crucial. In this Lincoln Absence Advisor podcast, we explore this topic with product manager Annie Jantz and absence consultant MacKenzie Carver. We take a detailed look at policy language – what to look for, where to find helpful input, and why it matters. This thoughtful conversation covers topics such as exclusions and inclusions, eligibility, creating clear definitions, coordination with state and federal policies, and resources that are available to help you build a policy that fulfills its intended purpose. Annie and MacKenzie will also discuss what they see as the #1 language miss that occurs when building or reviewing a paid leave policy.

Also, be sure to check out our latest webinar, Shaping the right paid leave offering, which offers more details about the importance and impact of paid leave and how to best put your company’s policy together.

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When you look at reasons people take leave from the workplace, do you consider eldercare and all the complexities this includes? In this episode of Lincoln Absence Advisor, Lincoln’s Joanne Archer, VP of product solutions, Michelle Curtis, product consultant for Lincoln’s life product, and Julie Frick, claims manager for group benefits, share their different experiences with eldercare.

They focus on the many needs employees may be juggling when caring for an elder family member and how those needs can shift so quickly throughout the aging process. Their stories showcase not only day-to-day needs, but also the many emotions your employees may be experiencing. Listen in to hear what employers can do to help employees that may be experiencing similar responsibilities.

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During our Q2 webinar – A new focus: mental health, disability, and the whole employee we received a lot of great questions from our audience. One area where our audience showed interest was the benefit of an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). More specifically, how could an EAP help someone who may be experiencing mental health related issues when transitioning back into the office? During this episode, we tackle that question as well as explore all the other assistance areas an EAP can help with.

Joining me for this conversation are David Campbell, Senior Vice President of Quality Control – ComPsych Corporation, Keith Birns, Senior Account Manager – ComPsych Corporation, and Emily Igrejas, Senior Product Manager – Lincoln Financial Group.

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During the latest Lincoln Absence Advisor webinar, A New Focus: Mental Health, Disability and the Whole Employee, we received many questions on which accommodations work best for mental health and how to handle such a sensitive subject with your employees.

For episode 9 of this Lincoln Absence Advisor podcast, we hone in on these questions with product lead Annie Jantz, and vocational consultants Melissa Michuda and Emily Mathies. We discuss elements of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA), accommodations we’ve seen used for mental health needs, and various processes and perspectives that employers should consider on this subject.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

A new focus: mental health, disability and the whole employee webinar
Mental Health America Workplace Survey 2021

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Having a child can often be tied to joy and happiness, but there is another side that many new moms are going through – balancing their own mental health while they adjust to this new world they find themselves in. When we talk about maternal mental health, we often focus on postpartum depression, but it’s also important to consider the whole cycle of being a mom and the different effects this new role can have on mental health.

In this episode of Lincoln Absence Advisor, we are joined by Lincoln’s consulting physicians, Dr. Amy Feitelson, a psychiatrist, and Dr. Jennifer King, a family practice physician, as well as Marissa Mayfield, product lead for our statutory products. Together, we discuss and define maternal mental health. From observation to experience, we dive in to various aspects and explore how employers can help new moms in their workforce cope with the additional stress they may be experiencing.

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Recently we’ve seen a lot of interest in California paid family leave and the overall state disability insurance program, which is why we’ve put together this episode to answer frequent questions and simply talk through a state program that can sometimes be confusing to navigate.

Listen in as Bill Mcshane, national sales advisor for the west coast, Kristin Hostetter, product lead for our CA private plan offering, and Alexa Greenberg, general counsel, answer questions on private plans and the basics of the program as well as give their thoughts on aspects employers should be especially aware of.

Resources mentioned: Lincoln's CA SDI FAQ

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Disability insurance is something that has catapulted to the forefront of many employers and their employees’ minds over the past year. Many see the value of this coverage for the peace of mind it provides if someone were to miss work due to a covered injury or illness. May is disability insurance awareness month, and what better way to kick us off than by talking to three HR employees who interact with disability insurance almost every day?

Joining me for this discussion are three of my colleagues from Lincoln Financial Group - Mindy Jarecki, Sr. Consultant – HR Business Management, Keshia Hamoud - Leave Management Specialist, and Amanda Petersen - Absence Claims Director. During this episode, we cover everything from common questions around disability to advice for employers when working with their employees on a disability claim.

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We’re hearing a lot about returning to the workplace and questions on if employers can (or should) require the COVID-19 vaccination to do so. Often, this conversation leads to many challenges and complexities, such as the need for accommodations, support communication and resources, and state policies and laws.

So, after reviewing questions from our most recent webinar, two of our webinar speakers discuss this topic thoroughly. Join Trish Zuniga, lead for leave regulations and Annie Jantz, product lead from leave management services as they talk about vaccination policies, leave impacts and ADA requirements.

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Maternity leave is such a common reason to be absent from work, but have you ever asked if what your company provides is truly enough to help the mothers among your employees prepare for and recover from childbirth, bond with their new baby while adapting to a new normal and successfully come back to work?

In this episode of Lincoln Absence Advisor, we went straight to the source –mothers who are back at work – and asked for their thoughts. Listen in as Emily Igrejas, disability product manager, Susan Lawson, manager of voice of the customer, and Sara Kilbride, national sales executive, discuss their own experiences with maternity leave, including what was going through their minds before, during and after leave, what they needed the most, and how employers can help retain talented mothers in the workplace.

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In the past year, did you miss a routine checkup, dentist appointment, etc.? If you did, you weren’t alone. In fact, by June of 2020 41% of all American had delayed or avoided some type of health care. On this episode I’m joined by Dr. Glenn Pransky and we talk about the action of deferred, delayed, or avoided care. We take a deep dive into why so many Americans chose this action, the potential for it being problematic in the future, and how employers can provide a potential solution.

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In this episode, we continue our conversation about the balancing act employees face with work and caregiving, and what they need from their employers.

Dr. Glenn Pransky, a physician and internationally-recognized researcher in work and health and Annie Jantz, product lead for Lincoln’s leave management product discuss where an employer can start and what to be observing along the way. From leave policy reviews, innovative solutions, and our expectation to learn more in the years ahead, there is a lot for employers to consider.

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With heightened attention, many employers have watched employees balance more responsibilities of family and work. In 2020, an estimated 80 million people left the office and started working at home, and a quarter of a million people took their elderly parents out of nursing homes and assisted living because of fears of COVID-19.

These shifts in responsibility have put a stronger lens on caregiving, a topic already affecting the workplace. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Glenn Pransky, a physician and internationally-recognized researcher in work and health and Annie Jantz, product lead for Lincoln’s leave management product to define the multiple caveats of caregiving and what employers should be focused to help take care of their employee caregivers

Links to sources referenced in this episode.

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A new year brings new leave program launches and updates. In this episode, we dive into questions we received on various state PFML or PFL programs during our last webinar, Preparing for 2021. Join Lincoln’s Marissa Mayfield and Kristin Hostetter, product leads for state leave programs, as they answer questions on PFML, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York programs in our last season 1 episode of Lincoln Absence Advisor.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Connecticut Paid Family Leave Website
Lincoln’s Webinar, Preparing for 2021

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On November 3, the residents of Colorado voted to pass Colorado Paid Family and Medical Leave, making it the 9th state with a paid family leave law. In this episode of Lincoln Absence Advisor, Lincoln’s Kristin Hostetter, product lead for PFML programs, and Sarah Montgomery, general counsel share what they know about the program in our first conversation on this state.

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Get answers to your questions on Connecticut Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML). In this episode, we’ll answer the questions we’ve heard on private plans, administration, definitions, and more. Join Lincoln’s Kristin Hostetter, product lead for Connecticut Family Leave, and Alexa Greenberg, legal counsel, as we discuss the latest information we’ve received on this new program.

Resources mentioned in the episode:
Connecticut Paid Family Leave Website
Lincoln’s Connecticut Paid Family Leave Website

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With the summer coming to a close, it’s time to catch up on all the latest compliance news as it relates to family and medical leave laws and regulations. In today’s episode, we’re joined by two of my Lincoln Financial Group colleagues. Trish Zuniga Compliance Consultant, and Annie Jantz, Senior Product Manager for State Disability and Paid Family Leave. During this episode we discuss:

The on-going federal response to COVID-19
PFML program updates from MA, CA, and CO
Insights into Company Paid Leave

Check out the FAQ: “What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws”

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What is ableism? Why should it be a key topic in any workplace diversity and inclusion program? In this week’s episode, leaders of Lincoln’s internal resource group for people with disabilities join us for an open discussion on this trending topic. Mike Kellar, vice president of recruiting, and Arlene Hendricks, director of life underwriting, share their observations and stories and also touch upon how companies can identify and avoid the negative effects of ableism.

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In this episode, we talk about the “Disability Mindset.” A term that describes a mindset that can develop after an employee becomes ill or injured – taking them out of the workplace – where they begin focusing more on their disability rather than their ability to return to work. Joining us to talk about this topic are two Lincoln Financial Group employees. Saretha Bradley, and Melissa Michuda of Lincoln’s Vocational and Clinical Operations. During this episode we discuss:

What the term "disability mindset" means
How open communication and education surrounding disability programs is key
The importance of flexibility, customized solutions, and thinking outside the box when it comes to return to work solutions

Resources: JAN (Job Accommodation Network)

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There is a lot to talk about when it comes to the Family First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) – in particular, the impact of schools reopening and the recent revisions from the Department of Labor in response to New York’s federal court ruling. Learn more about:

What the DOL clarified in this week’s regulation updates
The impact of these regulation updates and clarifications on the recent New York court case
The three scenarios for schools reopening, when an employee is covered by the FFCRA

Join Lincoln’s Sarah Montgomery, Assistance Vice President and General Counsel for Group Protection and Annie Jantz, product lead for leave services, on this latest episode of Lincoln Absence Advisor

Resources:

DOL’s FAQs for FFCRA
Lincoln Financial’s Compliance Updates

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Emily Igrejas, Lincoln product manager, joins our podcast today -- and brings us her expertise in disability coverage and how it interacts with PFML. She clarifies the complex layers of information surrounding STD in the PFML landscape, as she:

Explains the key differences between STD and state-mandated leave
Explores the unique value of STD coverage when it’s combined with state coverage
Breaks down important concepts and definitions
Walks us through examples of how an employees’ one illness or injury can trigger several different leave or benefit programs

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In this episode of Lincoln Absence Advisor, we’re joined by two Lincoln Financial Vocational Rehabilitation specialists, Michelle Reddinger and Jennifer Irvin to discuss transitional work. During this conversation, we take a deeper dive into what transitional work is and how this accommodation option can benefit employees and employers.

We also discuss:

How to determine if transitional work is a reasonable accommodation option
Examples of transitional work put into practice
Common misconceptions about transitional work

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With Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical final leave regulations announced in July, and their launch right around the corner, it is time to talk. In this episode of Lincoln Absence Advisor, we are joined by our partners at Lincoln—Marissa Mayfield, product lead for Massachusetts PFML and Trish Zuniga, compliance lead for leave regulation—to discuss some of the impacts, including:

New July 2020 regulations compared to May 2019 regulations
The new addition of accrued paid leave
Intermittent leave and how it is defined in the program
Expectations for private plans with the newest regulations

Additional Resources:
As mentioned in our conversation, MA PFML website is a great resource for details and signing-up for updates from the state.

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With everything going on it can be difficult to keep track of the latest compliance news as it relates to family and medical leave laws and regulations. Luckily, we’ve got you covered. In this episode, we hear from two Lincoln Financial Group employees Kristin Hostetter, Senior Product Managers for State Disability and Paid Family Leave and Trish Zuniga Compliance Consultant as they walk us through the latest compliance updates of 2020. During this conversation we discuss:

The new PFL program launch in DC
Changes to the NJ TDI program
The new paid sick leave program in Colorado
News from the EEOC

Also, we invite you to check out the published version of the compliance update that is referenced during the episode. It can be downloaded here

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This week we continue our conversation from our webinar, the ADA Link. In Part 2 of answering your questions on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Annie Jantz, product lead for accommodation services, and Melissa Michuda, return-to-work specialist, discuss some need-to-know topics, such as:

What to consider in your return-to-work policy
What it means to review accommodation requests on a case-by-case basis
And how the interactive process is at the center of it all

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Lincoln’s Webinar - The ADA Link

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During our last webinar, the ADA Link, we received many questions from our audience—from general process questions to how COVID-19 interacts with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In part I of our two-part episode, we answer specific questions about the ADA in the current environment. Our guests Annie Jantz, Product Lead for Accommodation Services, and Melissa Michuda, Return-to-work Specialist, discuss questions like:

Does ADA apply to return-to-workplace anxiety?
Has COVID-19 created a new view of underlying health conditions?
And, simply, how does COVID-19 impact ADA?

Resources mentioned in this episode:

CDC Coronavirus resources
EEOC Coronavirus resources
Lincoln’s Webinar - The ADA Link

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The leave landscape is ever-changing. This year alone we’ve seen programs launch, programs we’re preparing for, and programs we are keeping an eye on. In this episode of Lincoln Absence Advisor, we’re joined by Trish Zuniga, Compliance Lead for leave regulation, Marissa Mayfield, Product Lead for Lincoln’s Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave program, and Kristen Hostetter, Product lead for Lincoln’s Connecticut Paid Family and Medical Leave program to share insights on the latest programs from Washington DC, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, such as:

What these programs have in common
What makes them unique
What you should know about them right now

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Living through these unprecedented times can be a challenge for many of us, but how do we adapt and remain resilient? In this episode of Lincoln Absence Advisor we are joined by Dan Eck, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor for ComPsych who focuses on mental health and in particular a background with resiliency training for employees. During this episode we:

Define resiliency for all of us
Share how to assess one’s own resilience and how to build on it
Discuss back-to-the-workplace anxiety and how important resiliency is
Dive into the role of the manager and leadership when it comes to resiliency

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With an economic environment that’s constantly changing, financial wellness is something that’s at the forefront of many American’s minds. In this episode, we’re joined by two members from our innovation team, Ashley Cader, Vice President of innovation, customer experience, and voice of the customer and Erin Melhuish, Innovation Consultant of the ideation team as we explore a 2019 study they performed as well as discuss:

The importance of financial wellness: Why financial wellness is important given our current circumstances
Employee’s financial stress: how do you assess your level of stress and how can it be decreased
Financial wellness: How do you build your own financial wellness/resilience
The assistance of insurance coverage and employer-offered benefits: How do certain insurance coverages and employer benefits play a role in an employee’s financial wellness
Financial wellness education: What can employers and employees do to keep themselves educated on financial tools to help build financial wellness

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Our evolving economic environment has made many of us reassess our personal financial preparedness. For some, this reassessment may involve checking for potential gaps within their insurance coverage. One coverage that is often overlooked, but could fill the gap as well as encourage financial preparedness, is disability insurance. In this episode, Lincoln’s, Dr. David Berube, Chief Medical Officer for Group Protection, and Tony Stevens, Assistant Vice President of Disability Insurance Products, to talk about:

Why disability coverage is often overlooked when selecting benefits
How disability coverage can contribute to the idea of financial preparedness
The importance of education when it comes to disability insurance

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Many people returning to the workplace are dealing with stress and anxiety; this episode of Lincoln Absence Advisor discusses how managers can approach and support their employees as they make this transition. Lincoln Financial's Paula Aznavoorian-Barry, Manager of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and Melissa Michuda, Return-to-Work Specialist, explore the importance of preparing managers to help employees—and making sure the managers also have support while handling their own stressors. Important topics include:

Awareness of all the resources available to managers and employees, such as EAP programs and virtual trainings that cover key topics such as financial advising, stress management, and mental health
The importance of open communication that reflects transparency and empathy, from leadership down to managers and supervisors
Keeping in mind that every situation is different, and that an open mind is essential when addressing employees’ needs

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Short-Term Disability coverage can provide a valuable source of income when someone is injured or ill and unable to work – and that safety net is more important than ever in light of the COVID-19 situation. In this episode of Lincoln Absence Advisor, Tracy Hendrickson, Director of Operational Initiatives for Group Protection, discusses:

The benefits of disability insurance as they relate to COVID-19
How disability insurance works in relation to COVID-19
The importance of disability given our current environment and as we look towards the future

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It took time to adapt to staying and working at home and social distancing—and now, as some workplaces are gradually shifting back to in-office operations, it will take time to adapt again. In this Lincoln Absence Advisor podcast, Dr. Glenn Pransky discusses the challenges of going back to the office, including:

The range of employees’ anxieties and concerns—which will vary from employee to employee
The importance of a well-thought out return-to-the-workplace plan that anticipates the many situations that may arise
How employers can help employees cope with their fears and anxieties
The importance of transparent, proactive communication that makes it clear worker safety is the #1 priority

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Stress and burnout in the workplace isn’t a new topic – but with so many people newly working at home, it’s more relevant than ever. In this episode of Lincoln Absence Advisor, we discuss how employers can detect and prevent burnout, and how they can help their employees take care of themselves on the job now – and when they go back to their usual office routine.

Learn more about:

Why working at home can lead to burnout – more interruptions, less structure and feedback, and more technology issues
How COVID-19 contributes – worries about health and the economy, adapting to a new work style, and dealing with social distancing that can turn into social isolation
Signs of burnout and what employers can do -- helping employees set expectations for their workday, establishing boundaries between work and home, and retaining a sense of community with their coworkers

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The Family First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) was the first bill enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In this episode of the Lincoln Absence Advisor podcast, Annie Jantz, Product Manager for Leave Management Services and Trish Zuniga, Compliance Lead for Leave Regulation, discuss important considerations such as the bill’s expanded reasons for leave, certification requirements, and eligibility and how these provisions affect businesses with less than 500 employees. They also review different scenarios and examine how the FFCRA interacts with other leave programs.

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-questions

LCN-3061581-042720

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There’s a lot of talk about how to stay connected to our friends and family while we stay at home – but it’s just as important to stay connected to business colleagues. In this podcast, we explore not just how to stay in touch, but also how to create new ways to interact and strengthen our business relationships. Staying in touch is a different challenge for each person – some may be adept at technology and use it to its fullest extent to reach out and work collaboratively with their team. Others may not be as technologically savvy. And of course, online meetings now often involve kids or pets running around in the background – a different atmosphere than most businesses are used to, and one that actually helps people get to know more about their colleagues, find common interests, and strengthen bonds when they are back in the office environment again.

LCN-3060179-042720

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The Families First Corona Response Act expanded paid sick leave and FMLA leave nationally – but only to employees of companies with under 500 lives. In this episode of Lincoln’s Absence Advisor podcast, Lincoln’s Sarah Montgomery, Assistant Vice President and Senior Counsel for Group Protection and Kim Rudeen, Assistant Vice President of our leave management products, talk about some municipal ordinances being enacted across the country, and how these new rules are seeking to fill the gaps left by federal and state legislation. Additionally, we discuss the newest updates in New Jersey and what you need to know.

For more information visit: https://www.lfg.com/public/covid-19guidance

LCN-3053576-042220

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Every day, there’s more new information to absorb – from the news, from our coworkers and our communities. Employers play a big part in the overall communication picture, and during a time of crisis, it’s especially important to help people stay calm, informed and supported. People turn to their employers at times like these, and they expect transparency, confidence and accuracy. Kelly DeAngelis, Lincoln’s Assistant Vice President of Corporate Communications, talks about using different methods of communication to keep employees engaged and focused on their job instead of worrying about the unknown. She also discusses communications with customers and how the same principles of accuracy, transparency and timeliness can reassure customers they will continue to experience the level of partnership and service they’ve come to expect.

LCN-3039014-041320

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So much has changed so quickly, in almost every aspect of our lives. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) can be a valuable resource for employees and their families, offering easy remote access to legal, financial and personal guidance from experienced professionals. In this episode of Lincoln Absence Advisor, David Campbell, Senior Vice President of Quality Control for ComPsych, the world’s largest provider of EAPs, explores how these programs are designed to help people adjust to and balance their current work and life challenges. He shows how employers can use EAPs as a way to reach out to newly remote employees and help them access the assistance they may need.

Lincoln offers ComPsych’s program to employers with our LTD product. Check with your provider on your EAP program to find out details of your offering..

LCN-3038910-041320

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In our latest podcast, we talk about an issue that has suddenly moved to the forefront for many employees – working from home. Many companies have quickly transitioned – seemingly overnight – to having their workforce at home on a full-time basis. What are the challenges of this new normal? What best practices should newly remote employees be adopting? Tawnya Goertzen and Melissa Michuda of Lincoln’s clinical and vocational operations department explore practical tips that can help employees set up a workspace, use technology to stay connected and productive, and balance working from home with taking care of children who may be learning from home.

For more information visit: https://www.lfg.com/public/covid-19guidance

LCN-3016500-032720

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Both federal and state leave programs are being updated and enhanced in response to the COVID-19 situation. In this episode of Lincoln Absence Advisor, Lincoln’s Sarah Montgomery, Assistant Vice President and Senior Counsel for Group Protection and Kim Rudeen, Assistant Vice President of our leave management products, talk about the newest legislation in New York and New Jersey. They define the changes and discuss the impact on both employers and employees, focusing on expanded Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) and Family Leave Insurance (FLI) in NJ and a new paid sick leave program and expanded eligibility for the Disability Benefits Law (DBL) and Paid Family Leave (PFL) in New York.

For more information visit: https://www.lfg.com/public/covid-19guidance

LCN-3022656-040120

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With so many abrupt and significant changes in our current lives, it’s not surprising there’s a lot of discussion not just about our physical health, but also about anxiety, stress and our overall mental health. Dr. Glenn Pransky, Lincoln’s Scientific Advisor, talks about what we can do to take care of our mental well-being in the current environment. He covers topics such as how to stay informed with reliable information, how to stay connected while we learn and work from home, and how to establish the routines that promote good mental health. He also provides some useful online destinations that can help people manage stress, help their homebound children and keep up to date with the latest news and developments.

For more information visit: https://www.lfg.com/public/covid-19guidance

LCN-3016500-032720

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With the advent and swift spread of the coronavirus, all of us are facing an unprecedented challenge. In this episode, Lincoln legal and medical professionals help employers navigate this new environment, discussing the coronavirus and its impact on disability and leave. We’ll explore important topics such as: How and when does coronavirus constitute a disability? What are the key points employers should be considering when it comes to federal, state and company leaves? And what are we starting to learn from this environment to effectively manage our workforce in today’s temporary new normal?

For more information visit: https://www.lfg.com/public/covid-19guidance

LCN-3009474-032420

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In this episode, four Lincoln benefit professionals explore today’s leave and disability landscape and show how their knowledge and experience can help provide valuable and useful insights. Today’s participants include Sarah Montgomery, who manages our legal and compliance team, Trish Zuniga, compliance consultant for absence and statutory products, and Kristen Hostetter and Annie Jantz from our absence and disability product team. They discuss the types of topics this podcast will cover – including best practices, benefit coordination, state law differentiators, and much more. LCN-2989258-011020

Lincoln Absence Advisor: Recent Episodes

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