FMLA Violations: How Good Intentions Turn Into Federal Investigations

Episode Description: FMLA complaints rarely begin with bad intent—but they often end in costly investigations. In this episode, we explore how FMLA investigations actually start, the most common employer mistakes investigators see, real-world hypotheticals that show how cases unravel, and practical steps employers can take to reduce risk.

Key Topics Covered:

• How employees raise FMLA violations
• Interference vs. retaliation claims
• Investigator red flags and common employer mistakes
• How to conduct an internal FMLA investigation
• Practical compliance and prevention tips

Ideal Audience:

• HR professionals
• In-house counsel
• Business owners and executives
• Anyone responsible for leave administration

Upcoming Virtual Workshop:

How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Workshop for HR Professionals April 8-9, 2026 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET Live, 2-day virtual format

This hands-on workshop is designed for HR professionals who want practical tools—not theory. We cover intake, planning, interviews, documentation, credibility assessments, and investigation findings, with real-world scenarios throughout.

If you’re responsible for handling internal investigations—or advising leaders on discipline and terminations—this is exactly the type of issue we work through in my upcoming two-day virtual investigations workshop, How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Workshop for HR Professionals, happening April 8-9, 2026, from 11:00 to 5:00 ET. Register early to take advantage of Premier Access Pricing and save $100 of the regular registration fee and get a complimentary author-signed copy of Natalie's book How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals and the comprehensive Supplementary Toolkit containing section quizzes, interview templates, sample witness statements, a sample investigation report, sample policies, and more.

Register Here

We focus on real situations and how to investigate them in a way that holds up under scrutiny.

And if you’re looking for a practical reference you can keep on your desk, my book, How to Conduct Internal Investigations: A Practical Guide for Human Resource Professionals, is available on Amazon and walks you through the investigation process step by step.

If you found this episode helpful, be sure to subscribe, rate, and share The HR Investigations Podcast with a colleague who handles employee relations or investigations.

New episodes drop regularly with practical guidance for HR professionals navigating complex workplace issues.