February 6, 2013 marked twenty years since the Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”) was signed into law. The United States Department of Labor recently published the results of a survey that collected information and opinions about the FMLA from employers and employees across the country. According to the DOL, the survey results were positive, and indicate that the FMLA “continues to make a positive impact on the lives of workers without imposing an undue burden upon employers.”
Specifically, the survey results indicate:
- Nearly 60% of employees meet all criteria for eligibility and coverage under the FMLA.
- 13% of employees reported taking a leave of absence for a FMLA reason within the last twelve months.
- 24% of leaves taken under the FMLA are intermittent leaves.
- 91% of employers reported that complying with the FMLA either has a positive effect or no noticeable effect on employee absenteeism, morale, or turnover.
- 85% of employers reported that complying with the FMLA is easy, somewhat easy, or has no noticeable effect.
To read more about the results of the survey, click here.