Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM (PT)
Duration: 90 Minutes
Webinar Type: Recorded Webinar
Speaker: Suzanne Lucas
Date : Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Overview:
One FMLA mistake can trigger audits, lawsuits & costly penalties. Learn to avoid common HR & manager errors & handle FMLA correct in 2026
How HR Gets FMLA Wrong & 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.
Our Speaker:
Suzanne Lucas, known worldwide as the Evil HR Lady, brings a refreshingly candid, no-nonsense perspective to the often-confusing world of HR and employment law.
A former corporate HR leader turned writer, speaker, and consultant, Suzanne has spent more than two decades helping organizations navigate the tricky intersection of compliance, common sense, and compassion. She’s written thousands of articles on workplace issues for publications like Inc., CBS News, The New York Times, and Comstock’s, earning a loyal following of HR professionals, managers, and employees who value her clear-eyed, practical advice.
With a gift for translating complex laws into plain English—and a sense of humor about the chaos that comes with managing people—Suzanne’s webinars and keynotes are equal parts enlightening and entertaining.
When it comes to FMLA, ADA, and employee leave, she’s seen it all: the good, the bad, and the very expensive. Join her as she cuts through the confusion and gives you the tools to protect your business, support your employees, and sleep a little easier.
