The Benefit of Benefits: Understanding the Complexities of Leave of Absences (LOA)

The Benefit of Benefits: Understanding the Complexities of Leave of Absences (LOA)

As summer kicks into full swing, we’re bringing you some insightful reading! The President of Uncharted HR, Lee Ann Young, has published a compelling article in Carroll Magazine! The article, “The Benefit of Benefits: Understanding the Complexities of Leave of Absences (LOA),“ appeared on June 9, 2025. In this insightful piece, Lee Ann explores the crucial aspects of Leave of Absence (LOA), highlighting how it serves both employees and employers.

At Uncharted HR, we truly believe that “Helping people navigate people” means understanding the intricate details that support both your team and your business. Lee Ann’s article perfectly reflects this mission.Here are some key takeaways from her article:

  • Job Security: Laws like the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Maryland Sick and Safe Leave are vital in guaranteeing job protections for employees during their absence. This ensures peace of mind for your team members during challenging times.
  • Retention and Recruitment: Employers who offer thoughtful, voluntary leave policies can significantly attract and retain talent. It shows a genuine commitment to your employees’ needs, making your company a more appealing place to work.
  • Compliance: Adhering to LOA laws isn’t just good practice; it’s essential for employers to avoid legal issues and ensure fair, consistent treatment of their valuable workforce.
  • FMLA & ADA: The article clarifies the important distinction between FMLA, which typically covers temporary conditions, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which addresses long-term disabilities and may require additional leave as a reasonable accommodation beyond FMLA’s 12 weeks. Understanding these differences is key!
  • Voluntary Support: Lee Ann also emphasizes the importance of employers voluntarily assisting employees when needed. She even recommends that small employers not covered by FMLA consider offering at least a 30-day unpaid leave policy – a true testament to caring for your people.
  • Employee Well-being: The article beautifully concludes that employees tend to stay with companies that offer LOA because it signals a supportive work culture. It makes employees feel valued, especially during critical life events, fostering loyalty and a positive work environment.

To further expand on this vital topic, we also recommend this comprehensive resource from ADP: “What Employers Need to Know About Employee Leave of Absence.” This article delves deeper into various types of leave, including mandatory and voluntary, and provides essential information on applicable state and federal laws that employers must navigate. Understanding these nuances, as both articles highlight, is crucial for fostering a supportive work environment while ensuring legal compliance.

We are so proud of Lee Ann for sharing her expertise and helping businesses better understand how to support their people through effective LOA policies. This is just one more way we strive to fulfill our mission of putting the human touch at the forefront of HR solutions.

Want to Read More from Lee Ann?

Lee Ann is passionate about helping businesses navigate the complexities of HR with a human touch. Check out some of her other insightful articles:

Ready to make your workplace even better? Whether you have questions about HR, want to talk about benefits, or just need a friendly ear, we’re here to help. Reach out to Uncharted HR today – let’s chat about how we can support you and your team!