Certificate in Absence Management Cohort

Introduction Session

This live cohort introduction session allows you to get to know your instructors and peers and sets the foundation for success across the five courses that make up the certificate program.

During this session, participants will:

• Meet the instructors who will be guiding you through the cohort
• Introductions to fellow participants to build community, and share what you are hoping to gain from the cohort
• Cohort Logistics and platform demonstration
• Wrap-up and Q&A

This session is designed to create alignment, foster engagement, and ensure everyone starts the cohort with clarity and confidence. By the end of the session, participants will understand how to navigate the platform, know who to turn to for support, and feel connected to both instructors and participants as they begin the certificate experience together.

Introduction to State and Local Paid Leave Mandates

This session will introduce paid leave mandates imposed by states and local jurisdictions, including sick and safe leave and paid time off. The focus will be on common design features of these mandates and identifying considerations and potential challenges they can create for employer leave programs.

The Real Cost of Absence: Direct, Indirect and What to Do About It

Employee absences create ripple effects that extend well beyond missed workdays. Participants will learn how to identify, measure, and quantify absence-related costs within their organizations. This session also introduces effective absence management strategies to mitigate risk, control costs, and support workforce sustainability.

Managing Employee Absences: Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

The purpose of this session is to provide information about the concerns employers have regarding workplace productivity and managing employee absences. This course will present the federal Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and various state leave laws, especially as more states are enacting paid family and medical leave legislation.

Introduction to State Paid Family and Medical Leave Programs

This session will introduce state paid family and medical leave (PFML) programs and state statutory disability mandates. The focus will be on common design features of PFML programs and exploring strategies for employer compliance. Additionally, discussion will focus on identifying considerations and potential challenges these state programs can create for employer leave programs.

ADA 201: Navigating Modern Compliance Challenges and Strategic Case Management

Building on foundational ADA knowledge, this session dives into the complexities of the interactive process and the critical intersections of leave and disability benefits. Participants will explore recent trends, including mental health accommodations, return to work mandates, and digital accessibility, while learning practitioner-led strategies for managing "undue hardship" and ensuring defensible documentation in a high-risk landscape.

Closing Session

The closing session brings the cohort experience to a collaborative close. This session provides an opportunity for participants to reflect on their journey, celebrate accomplishments, and contribute valuable feedback to shape future cohorts.

During this session, participants will:

• Share key takeaways and insights
• Reflect on what worked well and provide constructive input on what could be improved for future offerings
• Discuss how they plan to apply what they’ve learned in their professional roles or organizations

This closing session reinforces learning through reflection, strengthens community through shared experiences, and supports continuous program improvement. By the end of the session, participants will leave with a clear sense of accomplishment, actionable next steps, and the satisfaction of knowing their feedback will help enhance future certificate cohorts.