In a recent HR Dive article, Thompson Coburn partner Matthew Brown discussed how climate-related weather events that affect employee health could create obligations for employers under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
“Similarly, there could be a mental health component to climate-related FMLA claims,” said Matt. “Should an employee report anxiety caused by extreme weather, for instance, this also may be a qualifying reason to take FMLA leave.”
Where possible, employers might want to consider remote or hybrid work for employees who may be affected. “That helps staffing plans because a lot of time these things come out of the blue,” said Matt, adding that certain weather events can lead to the shutdown of local transit networks or commuter pathways that workers use.
State and local authorities are likely to have a variety of resources, or even legal standards, to guide employers in their response. “Even when such regulations are not intended to cover private businesses, employers can look at those policies to formulate best practices,” said Matt.
Read the full article here.
