Our team of experts fields real-life, everyday questions from HR managers and gives practical answers that can be applied by any HR pro in the same situation. Today’s question: Do employees on FMLA leave qualify for perfect-attendance bonuses?
Question:
To cut absenteeism provide an extra incentive, we’re thinking about giving out small bonuses or other rewards for going a year without missing any days. Are we obligated to pay that perfect-attendance bonus to an employee who has taken FMLA leave but hasn’t missed days for any other reason?
Answer:
Generally, you must pay the attendance bonus. That’s according to Linda Hollinshead, an employment-law attorney with Wolf, Block, Schorr & Solis-Cohen.
For purposes of attendance, FMLA leave is treated as if the employee was there. Given that, the attendance bonus must be paid to someone on FMLA leave.
Answers to tricky HR questions: Attendance bonuses for employees on FMLA leave?
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