According to a forthcoming Reed Group report, "employees who are granted FMLA leave are three times more likely to file short-term disibility claims within six months than employees who don't request FMLA." Why is this? Often employees return to work but realize they have their own issues to deal with first.
When the employee is so busy taking care of their loved one it takes a toll on the employee physically and emotionally, and the employee's last focus during this time is themselves. Musculoskeletal conditions and behavioral health are noted as the most common reasons employees seek disability following FMLA. Reed Group says its findings underscore why companies should take an integrated approach to employee assistance programs, health and wellness initiatives.
"HR directors typically viewed FMLA as a 'have-to-do' part of compliance, but in most cases have not spent enough time focusing on the root causes behind subsequent disability claims," says Currr, or perhaps do not have the time available to investigate.
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