Joan Gale Quoted in SHRM Online
“Call-In Policy Can Aid FMLA-Compliant Employers”

Joan Gale was quoted in the August 23, 2010 SHRM Online article, “Call-In Policy Can Aid FMLA-Compliant Employers.” The article reported on why employees should comply with the company’s call-in policy even when they are taking an FMLA absence.

According to the article, an employee may be required to follow a company’s call-in policy when he or she is going to be absent, as long as the call-in procedures are not more stringent than the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) regulations’ timing for FMLA notice, according to the FMLA regulations. Joan noted that if the employee does not follow the call-in policy, the employer may treat the absence under its discipline policy, unless the employee can show an extenuating circumstance, which by necessity will have to be determined case by case. Joan recommended that a call-in policy should be for FMLA and non-FMLA absences and should be as specific as possible.