The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is looking to collect data from employers and employees regarding their respective “need for” and “experience with” the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).  The data collection period is expected to occur in 2017 and 2018.  From employees, the survey will seek information regarding “use of leave, need for leave, and [] experience with FMLA-eligible leave.”  For employers, the surveys will seek information regarding “employee use of leave and [] experience managing FMLA leave.”

The latest “wave” of surveys is expected to expand and update information gathered from prior surveys conducted in 1995, 2000 and 2012.  The DOL issued a fact sheet in 2012 summarizing some of its findings and noted: “[o]n the 20th Anniversary of the FMLA, DOL can conclude that the FMLA continues to make a positive impact on the lives of workers without imposing an undue burden upon employers.”  In that survey, 85% of employers reported “that complying with the FMLA is very easy, somewhat easy, or has no noticeable effect.”  Would you agree?

The DOL created two proposed data collection surveys and is currently seeking comments on or before December 27, 2016.