Let’s face it -- some employees have a sophisticated sense about how to abuse their rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act, particularly when using intermittent leave when vacation and sick time are not available. To minimize disruption in your workplace, you've got to know how to detect and deal with employees who abuse FMLA.
Sometimes the writing is on the wall, like Monday/Friday absences and midday doctor’s appointments. Some abuse may be more subtle, but regardless of what the employee is doing to work the system, the question is -- what can you legally do about it?
No employer should be afraid to hold employees accountable for their actions for fear of legal entanglements, especially since FMLA rules and regulations set forth the right to limit FMLA abuse.
