FMLA: The law, challenges, and application

FMLA disputes are among the top five issues that take companies to court. The law is broad, often confusing and affects employees on a personal level, so it is important to separate the facts from common misconceptions. This 60-minute FMLA compliance training goes beyond the basics.

You'll review FMLA notices, policies and communications, and what a proper and complete certification looks like. The session examines the challenges of administering FMLA, including abuse, and the practical application of the DOL regulations.

You'll also learn how FMLA coordinates with the ADA, workers' compensation and other leave and disability laws, look at FMLA court rulings and understand your company's rights under the law.

• Explain FMLA requirements beyond the basics
• Review FMLA notices, policies and communications
• Evaluate certifications and the challenges of administering FMLA
• Coordinate FMLA with the ADA and workers' compensation
• Analyze FMLA court rulings
• Apply your knowledge to stay compliant

• FMLA overview beyond the basics
• FMLA notices, policies and communications
• Proper and complete FMLA certifications
• Challenges with FMLA abuse and communications
• Practical application of the DOL regulations
• Coordinating FMLA with the ADA, workers' compensation and other leave laws
• FMLA court rulings
• Your company's rights under FMLA
• Reducing risk and non-compliance

Confusion about FMLA leads to mistakes that can end in litigation. This session clears up that confusion and helps you apply the law to reduce risk and non-compliance.

It suits benefits managers, consultants, specialists and analysts, compensation specialists and analysts, HR managers and directors, and total rewards managers and directors.

• Benefits Manager
• Benefits Consultant
• Benefits Specialist
• Benefits Analyst
• Compensate Specialist
• Compensation Analyst
• HR Manager
• HR Director
• Total Rewards Manager and Total Rewards Director

Sharell L. Thomas, MBA, SHRM-SCP

Sharell L. Thomas is a transformative Human Resources leader with over 20 years of experience crafting innovative Total Rewards strategies that drive employee engagement and organizational success. As the CEO of The Sharell Group and the Total Rewards Director for the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, Sharell has a proven track record of aligning compensation, benefits, and wellness initiatives with broader business goals. Her expertise spans compensation design, executive rewards, employee well-being, and strategic HR leadership, with a particular talent for helping organizations scale by creating cohesive, high-performance cultures.

Throughout her career, Sharell has implemented impactful HR programs that have reduced costs, improved employee retention, and fostered inclusive environments. Her work has contributed to a 30% reduction in benefit costs, a decrease in absenteeism through wellness initiatives, and the successful integration of teams following complex mergers and acquisitions. Sharell is passionate about elevating talent through leadership development, succession planning, and total rewards communication strategies that ensure employees feel valued and engaged.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Sharell is a proud native of Nassau, Bahamas. She is a devoted wife and bonus mom of four, and she enjoys balancing her personal life through her love of faith, family, friends, food, fitness, and fun. Sharell is actively involved in her community, serving on the boards of Friends of Refugees and the Atlanta Mission, where she continues to provide HR expertise and leadership.