General Session - The Bermuda Triangle of Leave: FMLA, ADA, Workers’ Compensation

Navigating employee leave can feel like entering uncharted waters—especially when the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Workers’ Compensation begin to overlap. Each carries its own requirements, timelines, and employer obligations, yet in practice they often intersect in ways that can create confusion, compliance risks, and operational challenges.

This session provides a clear, practical overview of each type of leave, helping participants understand the purpose, eligibility requirements, and key employer responsibilities associated with FMLA, ADA accommodations, and Workers’ Compensation claims. Building on that foundation, we will explore how these laws interact in real-world scenarios, including concurrent leave situations, return-to-work considerations, and the importance of consistent documentation and communication.

Participants will leave with actionable strategies to help leaders confidently manage leave situations—preparing for common challenges, recognizing and addressing potential misuse, and maintaining compliance with federal and state regulations.

SESSION OBJECTIVES:

The participants will be able to:

• Differentiate the fundamentals of FMLA, ADA, and Workers’ Compensation
• Analyze how leave laws intersect in real-world scenarios
• Apply practical strategies to manage leave effectively and compliantly

Susan Schrader MBA, SPHR, SHRM-CP
Vice President of Human Resources
Story County Medical Center

Susan didn’t start her career in Human Resources—but after making the leap from medical clinic leadership a decade ago, she’s been making up for lost time (and having a little fun doing it). With a strong operational background and a practical, no-nonsense approach, Susan brings real-world perspective to the often complex world of HR.

She has a proven track record of helping organizations run smarter by strengthening HR practices, reducing turnover, and boosting employee engagement. Known for her ability to translate regulations and policies into something leaders can use, Susan partners closely with teams to navigate workforce challenges and drive meaningful results.

Perhaps most notably, Susan has a knack for challenging the stereotype that HR is all rules and no personality. She believes HR can be both effective and engaging—and isn’t afraid to prove it.