Absence Management Perspectives

DMEC
  • 5.0 (5)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

A short, conversational podcast that shines a light on the people behind the processes for integrated disability and absence management.

  1. Crossing Boundaries: Why More Employers Are Addressing Sleep Disorders

    FEB 12

    Crossing Boundaries: Why More Employers Are Addressing Sleep Disorders

    If the thought of discussing sleep hygiene at work sounds foreign, listen in to this episode to hear why more employers are discussing sleep disorders to ensure team safety and productivity. Gage Koeller, senior research analyst at MDGuidelines, and Matt Thiese, PhD, assistant professor at the University of Utah, share startling statistics on costs as well as ideas for what you can do to improve employee health. Find additional insights and research from our guests in their column Why Should Employers Care About Rising Sleep Disorder Rates? The column was published in DMEC's @Work magazine, and we've unlocked it for listeners. Find the link below. Resources: Why Should Employers Care About Rising Sleep Disorder Rates?FMLA/ADA Training for Supervisors & ManagersJoin the DMEC membership community

    37 min

  2. JAN 22

    What Can Improv Teach You? DMEC Explores the Power of Fun

    Joel Zeff, work culture expert, improvisational humorist, and author, gives a sneak peek into his 2026 DMEC Compliance Conference keynote presentation. It focuses on the value of investing in fun at work and how that helps organizations of all sizes and industries become more productive. Listen in for details and a story you won't forget about a magic harmonica, and join us for the 2026 DMEC Compliance Conference April 13-16 in St. Louis, Mo., for four days of educational sessions, networking, and fun that will set your whole team up for success! Register your teams today: https://dmec.org/compliance-conference/registration/ Resources: 2026 DMEC Compliance ConferenceFMLA/ADA Training for Supervisors & ManagersDMEC Membership

    38 min
  3. Is Upskilling an Employee Perk or an Expectation?

    12/11/2025

    Is Upskilling an Employee Perk or an Expectation?

    Hear insights on education trends that set employers up for greater success, including a shift toward competency-based analyses that ensure employees have a clear roadmap for growth that aligns with employer expectations and leads to smarter hiring choices for employers, more focused development, and stronger performance management. Get the inside scoop from DMEC Education gurus Kristin Jones, CLMS, PHR, SHRM-CP, Director, Education Programs, and Laura Boll, CLMS, Experiential Learning Manager. Resources: Certification & Training resourcesCertified Leave Management Specialist Certification: Expanded and RedesignedBuilding a Return-to-Work Microcredential Course2025 DMEC AI Think Tank White Paper:Defining Ethical and Effective Workforce Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Leave and Accommodation Management Become a DMEC member today to access high-quality, laser-focused education and training employees need to ensure compliance. Learn more and join our community of workplace accommodation and leave management professionals today! Mentioned in this episode: Are Leave Management Specialists Asking the Right Questions? Increase Your Professional Value. Become a Certified Leave Management Specialist Today: https://dmec.org/certification-and-training/clms-certification/ DMEC

    37 min
  4. “House-on-Fire Moments” Employers Are Missing

    11/13/2025

    “House-on-Fire Moments” Employers Are Missing

    Parental leave may serve as a signal for how organizations treat employees. Would yours be green, yellow, or red? Listen in to this episode with Allison Whalen, cofounder, CEO, Parentaly, who shares recent data findings and insights into how employers benefit from a strategic plan for parental leave. Resources: Can Managers Make or Break the Parental Leave Experience for Employees?DMECBenefits of DMEC MembershipFMLA/ADA Training for Supervisors and Managerstraining

    36 min

  5. 10/20/2025

    Transcending Stigma to Embrace Innovative Mental Health Therapies

    Ditching the word psychedelic is helping employers embrace therapies that show "groundbreaking results" including faster recovery and more productive employees, explains Sherry Rais, CEO and co-founder of Enthea, in this episode. In addition to health improvements, these therapies can lead to lower healthcare costs and lower disability costs. Hear more about psychedelic-assisted therapies that can be effective with treatment-resistant patients, studies underway in this episode of the DMEC podcast.

    29 min
  6. Employers Give Equal Focus to Compliance and the Human Experience

    09/11/2025

    Employers Give Equal Focus to Compliance and the Human Experience

    As the leave management landscape continues to morph and change across the U.S., employers are getting more creative with how they support employees, and recognizing the need to lead with heart. With higher employee expectations for benefit plan and program design, DMEC subject matter experts note that employers are giving more than ever before during this episode of the DMEC podcast. Listen in for insights from Kristin Jones, CLMS, PHR, SHRM-CP, Director, DMEC Education Programs; Jess Dudley, CLMS, CPDM, DMEC Senior Education Manager; and Virginia Cyrus, DMEC Education Manager. They discuss takeaways from the 2025 DMEC Annual Conference, which illustrate bigger industry trends and the value of attending DMEC’s Virtual Annual Conference on Oct. 1. Register by Sept. 19 for a chance to win prizes and gain the insights and tools your team needs for ongoing success: https://dmec.org/annual-conference/virtual-event/ Resources: DMEC MembershipFMLA/ADA Training for Supervisors & ManagersVirtual Annual ConferenceDMEC Certification & Training

    52 min
  7. Authenticity & Transparency in Action: A Successful Formula for Leave Management

    08/21/2025

    Authenticity & Transparency in Action: A Successful Formula for Leave Management

    After experiencing the accommodations process, Kelly Woodbridge, M.Ed., ADAC, CLMS, was inspired to create a more transparent and accessible process that encourages employees to tap into benefits that support their ongoing success. Her efforts have streamlined the leave management process at Lehigh University, which is (in part) why two of her colleagues nominated her for the 2025 DMEC Emerging Leader Award. Woodbridge is the first accommodation specialist at Lehigh and her caseload has tripled in the two-plus years she has worked for the university. Listen in to hear how her investments in training and education and her passion for supporting employees in need are improving the culture as well as the employee experience. Additional resources: Intersectionality: A Valuable Tool to Normalize Disability in the WorkplaceLearn more about DMECBecome a Certified Leave Management SpecialistJoin the DMEC communityFMLA/ADA Training for Supervisors and Managers Mentioned in this episode: Are Leave Management Specialists Asking the Right Questions? Increase Your Professional Value. Become a Certified Leave Management Specialist Today: https://dmec.org/certification-and-training/clms-certification/ DMEC

    29 min
  8. Could Drafting a Bucket List Unlock Your Potential?

    07/10/2025

    Could Drafting a Bucket List Unlock Your Potential?

    Hear how answering three questions can help you lead a more purpose-driven and fully activated life from Sebastian (Seb) Terry, the 2025 DMEC Annual Conference speaker. Listen in for a fresh take on how people can gain more control over change by pausing long enough to consider their role in it and their ability to influence outcomes. And join us for the 2025 DMEC Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. Aug. 4-7 to hear more from Seb, and to capitalize on the unique opportunity to focus on the intricacies of leave management with hundreds of your peers. You'll find solutions to everyday challenges and gain the support and guidance you need for future success. Register today: https://dmec.org/annual-conference/

    21 min
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5
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5 Ratings

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A short, conversational podcast that shines a light on the people behind the processes for integrated disability and absence management.

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