Leave Intake
When an employee wishes to request a leave, he or she contacts the client’s representative at The Larkin Company. "Intake" is the process of obtaining the important information from the employee about the leave, it’s purpose, duration and other pertinent information. It’s also an opportunity to respond to employee questions about the leave. At The Larkin Company, intake is conducted by the person who will manage the leave and maintain contact with the employee throughout the leave.
Employee Communication
The laws governing leaves require that certain forms and information be provided to the employee in a timely manner. Following intake, The Larkin Company representative prepares and emails (or mails) a comprehensive leave packet to the employee. This packet contains everything the employee needs to know about the laws and the company’s policies regarding leaves as well as important employee benefit information.
Throughout the leave, The Larkin Company representative is available to answer the employee’s questions about his or her status or the law. The employee may contact The Larkin Company using email, telephone (including toll-free access), fax or regular mail.
The Larkin Company representative keeps the employer up to date during the leave via email notices whenever there is a change in the leave status.
Certification
We evaluate the leave request and notify the employee of approval or disapproval of the leave request under FMLA and CFRA or other statutory laws governing leaves.
Tracking
Leave time is tracked for FMLA and the various state laws. Standard reports are produced for clients showing their experience. We meet with clients to review and evaluate their experience.
Personal leave Administration
Of course not all leaves are protected under FMLA, CFRA or other states’ leave laws. Nonetheless, many companies want to outsource and track such leaves. We work with companies to identify the types of employee absences they want us to manage and track.
Process Design
Designing the process is one of the most important parts of the implementation. We identify client’s existing processes and collaborate with them to develop the most effective process for meeting their needs. In addition to the time savings inherent in outsourcing the administration of the leaves, we are almost always able to help clients streamline their internal processes.
Customized / Personalized Policies
Complying with the various laws governing leaves is extremely complex. However, companies also have their own individual policies governing employee absences. This combination virtually eliminates the “one size fits all” approach to leave management. Each client’s program and needs are different. We recognize this going in and work with new clients to develop a process and communication materials that fit the client’s style and personality.
Integration with Disability Plans
For many clients we administer both their employee leaves of absence and short-term disability plan(s). The integration of leave and disability management greatly simplifies the process from both the employer's and the employee's perspective.
Coordination with Benefits Providers
One way we can help make the process less complicated for the employee and client is coordinate with other providers including disability and workers’ compensation carriers. We work with all insurance companies and administrators.