Best Dmec Podcasts (2026)

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Is Upskilling an Employee Perk or an Expectation? 37:17

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26d ago37:17

37:17

Hear insights on education trends that set employers up for greater success, including a shift toward competency-based analyses that ensure employees have a clear roadmap for growth that aligns with employer expectations and leads to smarter hiring choices for employers, more focused development, and stronger performance management. Get the inside …

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“House-on-Fire Moments” Employers Are Missing 36:04

2M ago36:04

36:04

Parental leave may serve as a signal for how organizations treat employees. Would yours be green, yellow, or red? Listen in to this episode with Allison Whalen, cofounder, CEO, Parentaly, who shares recent data findings and insights into how employers benefit from a strategic plan for parental leave. Resources: Can Managers Make or Break the Parent…

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Transcending Stigma to Embrace Innovative Mental Health Therapies 28:35

3M ago28:35

28:35

Ditching the word psychedelic is helping employers embrace therapies that show "groundbreaking results" including faster recovery and more productive employees, explains Sherry Rais, CEO and co-founder of Enthea, in this episode. In addition to health improvements, these therapies can lead to lower healthcare costs and lower disability costs. Hear …

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Employers Give Equal Focus to Compliance and the Human Experience 52:21

4M ago52:21

52:21

As the leave management landscape continues to morph and change across the U.S., employers are getting more creative with how they support employees, and recognizing the need to lead with heart. With higher employee expectations for benefit plan and program design, DMEC subject matter experts note that employers are giving more than ever before dur…

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Authenticity & Transparency in Action: A Successful Formula for Leave Management 29:16

5M ago29:16

29:16

After experiencing the accommodations process, Kelly Woodbridge, M.Ed., ADAC, CLMS, was inspired to create a more transparent and accessible process that encourages employees to tap into benefits that support their ongoing success. Her efforts have streamlined the leave management process at Lehigh University, which is (in part) why two of her coll…

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Could Drafting a Bucket List Unlock Your Potential? 21:17

6M ago21:17

21:17

Hear how answering three questions can help you lead a more purpose-driven and fully activated life from Sebastian (Seb) Terry, the 2025 DMEC Annual Conference speaker. Listen in for a fresh take on how people can gain more control over change by pausing long enough to consider their role in it and their ability to influence outcomes. And join us f…

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Issue Spotting: Are You Overlooking State Disability Laws? 26:52

7M ago26:52

26:52

What are employers missing with state disability accommodation laws? Listen in to our guests from Reliance Matrix, who add context to a recent article in @Work magazine titled “Dangers Lurk in State Discrimination Laws,” which we have unlocked for listeners. Hear Lana Steven, AVP and Senior Product Compliance Counsel, Eric Broutman, AVP & Sr. Emplo…

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The Benefits to Embracing Neurodiversity in the Workplace 35:41

8M ago35:41

35:41

Neurodiversity is like biodiversity — there is a natural variation between the ways the human brain functions and there is no one right way of thinking, learning, or behaving, explains Lizzie Somerfield, LLM, MSC, New Deal for Neurodiversity, in this podcast episode with Seth Turner, founder, senior advisor, AbsenceSoft. Listen in to hear our guest…

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Are Leave Management Specialists Asking the Right Questions? DMEC Member-exclusive version 44:12

8M ago44:12

44:12

Why is "in loco parentis" a renewed topic of interest for leave management professionals? Has the atmosphere surrounding AI shifted? And what is it about psychedelic treatments that has employers seeking context? Listen in for "lightbulb moments" during the 2025 DMEC Compliance Conference from DMEC subject matter experts Kristin Jones, CLMS, PHR, S…

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Are Leave Management Specialists Asking the Right Questions? 35:46

8M ago35:46

35:46

Why is "in loco parentis" a renewed topic of interest for leave management professionals? Has the atmosphere surrounding AI shifted? And what is it about psychedelic treatments that has employers seeking context? Listen in for "lightbulb moments" during the 2025 DMEC Compliance Conference from DMEC subject matter experts Kristin Jones, CLMS, PHR, S…

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Do Formalized Policies Help Employers Humanize the Return-to-Work Process? 37:01

9M ago37:01

37:01

How do structured policies and processes enable employers to treat employees consistently as individuals, reduce liability risks, and improve the employee experience? Listen in for guidance and context from Ryan Bruce, MEd, CRC, SPHR, CLMS, Director of Client Solutions for New York Life Group Benefit Solutions, and Kristin Jones, CLMS, PHR, SHRM-CP…

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Identifying Relevant vs. Trendy Employee Benefits 30:36

10M ago30:36

30:36

Amid a sea change in policies and practices, how do employers design the types of plans and policies that ensure employees feel safe and supported? Listen in to this episode for guidance and tips from Ali Schaafsma, director of absence consulting for Brown & Brown Strategic Non-Medical Solutions; and Melanie Payton, CLMS, assistant vice president o…

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Why Offering Life Stage-Based Benefits Pays Off _ DMEC Member Exclusive 32:34

10M ago32:34

32:34

More employers recognize the value of redesigning benefit plans and policies so they support employees during different life cycles but how do they ensure these benefits are more than just words on a page? Listen in to Bryon E. Bass, CLMS, CEO, DMEC, share insights and suggestions. This version of the episode includes a member-exclusive Q&A with Ba…

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Why Offering Life Stage-Based Benefits Pays Off 28:43

10M ago28:43

28:43

While more employers recognize the value of redesigning benefit plans and policies to support employees during all life cycles, how do they ensure these benefits are more than just words on a page? Listen in to this episode with Bryon E. Bass, CLMS, CEO, DMEC, who shares insights and suggestions. DMEC members have access to an exclusive Q&A with Ba…

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Learning to Fall Safely Helps Teams Climb Higher 33:16

11M ago33:16

33:16

Recognizing life as a playground is part of the journey to reenergizing exhausted employees, creating safe spaces to share ideas, and encouraging teams to scale greater heights. Listen in for a sneak peek of the concepts Manley Feinberg, business leader and expert mountain climber, will share during the 2025 DMEC Compliance Conference in April! And…

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Talking About the “C” Word: Opportunities for Employers to Support Employees with Cancer _ Member Exclusive Version 29:53

11M ago29:53

29:53

Is fear preventing employers from having conversations with employees diagnosed with cancer about how they can stay at work and return to work as soon as possible? Work can be part of the healing process and with new treatment approaches, many (if not most) patients survive early-stage diagnoses, explains Raghav Murali-Ganesh, MD, FRANZCR, Chief Ex…

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Talking About the “C” Word: Opportunities for Employers to Support Employees with Cancer 27:58

11M ago27:58

27:58

Is fear preventing employers from having conversations with employees diagnosed with cancer about how they can stay at work and return to work as soon as possible? Work can be part of the healing process and with new treatment approaches, many (if not most) patients survive early-stage diagnoses, explains Raghav Murali-Ganesh, MD, FRANZCR, Chief Ex…

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What's the Business Case for Paid Company Leave? 23:06

11M ago23:06

23:06

How do you build the business case for company paid leave programs that align with executive goals and employee expectations so everyone comes out whole? Listen in as Tina Computzzi, senior digital product manager with Symetra Life Insurance Company, shares analyses you need and the results you can expect! Resources: A Comprehensive Guide to Budget…

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The High Employer Cost of Employee Loneliness May Surprise You 19:40

12M ago19:40

19:40

Reframing employers' ideas (and assumptions) about loneliness could save them $1.54 billion annually and enhance employee experience in myriad ways. Learn how during this episode with Wendy Coduti, PhD, Regional Director of Health and Productivity Analytics and Consulting Practice for Prudential Group Insurance; and LaToya Rodriguez, MS, CRC, Regio…

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Comparisons Matter: Benchmarking Provides Direction for Disability and Absence Management Professionals 21:19

1y ago21:19

21:19

Get details on how you can identify (and fill gaps) in disability and absence management from Deborah LaBonar, PhD, DMEC director of benchmarking and research. In addition to providing context for why benchmarking tools created by and for disability and absence management professionals are valuable, you'll get details on how measuring something aga…

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Helping Employees Reinvent Themselves at Work 29:53

1y ago29:53

29:53

Learn how the 2024 DMEC Emerging Leader Award winner is helping employees return to work while providing them with access to resources that help them learn new skills and expand their horizons. Hear about the creative approaches Tamisha Waters, senior personnel analyst I for the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, has taken and …

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Celebrating Innovation and Moxie in Integrated Disability and Absence Management 17:09

1y ago17:09

17:09

Krystle Barnes-Iwediebo, SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP, director of disability and absence management for New York-Presbyterian Hospital, redesigned processes to improve efficiencies, ensure a person-centered approach, and deliver an impressive return on investment. As the first winner of the DMEC Kaleta-Carruthers Innovation Award, Barnes-Iwediebo exemplifies …

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The True Payoff to Integrated Disability and Absence Management 39:38

1y ago39:38

39:38

Where are you on the integrated disability and absence management continuum? Hear how that affects employee experience and an employer's bottom line in this podcast episode with DMEC CEO Bryon E. Bass, CLMS. Read more about the Kaleta-Carruthers Innovation Award and see a video with DMEC's first award winner Krystle Barnes-Iwediebo: https://dmec.or…

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When Creativity Counts: Helping Employees Return-to-Work Sooner 41:43

1y ago41:43

41:43

What’s the secret sauce to helping employees return to work as quickly as possible and remain healthy? Confidence and appropriate mental health accommodations play a key role. Listen in to this discussion with Kerri Wizner, MPH, CPH, head of epidemiology, Alight MD Guidelines, and Keemia Vaghef, PhD, director of value engineering, Alight Leave Solu…

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A Commonly Missed Link Between Mental and Physical Disabilities Can Cost You 38:50

1+ y ago38:50

38:50

Recognizing that every absence has a psychosocial element is increasingly important for employers, explains Ian Bridgman, executive director of the Claim Lab, and Fred Schott, consultant with the Council for Disability Income Awareness. It can help employees stay at work and return to work as soon as possible and reduce the risk of employees with m…

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Recognizing A Mindset Shift in Disability and Leave Management 52:19

1+ y ago52:19

52:19

In addition to complying with hundreds of leave laws, employers must support employees more holistically to attract and retain top talent. But how? Hear insights from the 2024 DMEC Annual Conference from Bryon Bass, CLMS, DMEC CEO; Kristin Jones, CLMS, DMEC director of education programs; and Jess Dudley, CLMS, DMEC education manager! Listen in and…

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Employer Warning: Don't Be Fooled by AI Hallucinations 32:48

1+ y ago32:48

32:48

Using artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool, not a replacement, for humans will be increasingly important for employer success, explains Bryon Bass, CLMS, CEO, DMEC, and Joe Lynett, a principal with JacksonLewis P.C. in this episode. Listen in for examples of AI-related employer risks, including the four-fifths rule. Additional resources: Addition…

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The PWFA Requires Employers to Exercise New Muscles 49:40

1+ y ago49:40

49:40

The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) was created to bridge the gap between federal laws, as Carol Miaskoff, legal counsel for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, explains in this episode. Listen in to hear Miaskoff talk with Marjory Robertson, AVP and senior counsel for Sun Life, about top employer challenges. The two also offer guidan…

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How Can Employers Curb Excessive Leave Utilization and Support Employees? 16:29

1+ y ago16:29

16:29

Industry benchmarks helped Jenny Haykin, integrated leaves and accommodations program manager for Puget Sound Energy, identify "excessive leave utilization" and reduce short-term disability by 45%! Listen in to learn how she did it. DMEC resources referenced in the episode: DMEC AbsenceExemplar™ Benchmarking Dashboards Strategies for Managing Exces…

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What is the PFML Need? Lessons from New Hampshire 42:12

1+ y ago42:12

42:12

Two years after implementation, data shows that the Granite State's Voluntary Paid Family and Medical Leave Law (the first in the country) is increasingly popular with employees! What does this mean for employers? Listen in for hot-off-the-presses data and insights from Gina Rutledge, director of paid family and medical leave product management and…

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The Power of Asking If and How You Can Help Employees with Disabilities 22:45

1+ y ago22:45

22:45

"It needs to be ok to ask for an exception" in life, says Amberley Snyder, an award-winning rodeo rider, inspirational speaker, and social media influencer, who talks about how employers can support employees with disabilities in the workplace. Listen in for a sneak peek into Snyder's keynote presentation at the 2024 DMEC Annual Conference Aug. 5-8…

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Ignoring Employee Mental Health Now Will Cost Employers Later 46:05

1+ y ago46:05

46:05

With mental health on track to become the No. 1 driver of short-term disability claims, employers seek new ways to support several generations of employees in the workplace. Listen in to this episode for guidance and perspectives from David Setzkorn, MBA, CPCU, senior vice president of workforce absence and disability practice leader for Sedgwick, …

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How Hard Can It Be to Comply with Paid Sick Leave Laws? 42:59

1+ y ago42:59

42:59

Described as one of the most volatile aspects of employment law, paid sick leave laws are increasing (and changing) at a rapid rate. Listen in to this episode with Josh Seidman, partner with Seyfarth Shaw and co-lead of the leaves of absence management and accommodations team to hear about emerging trends and common employer mistakes to avoid! Reso…

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IDAM Leadership: Are You on the Right Path? 1:10:46

1+ y ago1:10:46

1:10:46

Hear about creative solutions designed by two winners of the 2023 DMEC Emerging Leader Award, how they define leadership, and the mutually beneficial effects of recognizing (and rewarding) this important work! Get insights from Ashleigh Brock, JD, lead compliance coordinator for the city of Memphis, and Keemia Vaghef, PhD, director of analytics con…

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Striking a Balance: Creating Leave Policies That are Compliant and Caring 40:05

1+ y ago40:05

40:05

Hear DMEC subject matter experts discuss hot topics from the 2024 DMEC FMLA/ADA Employer Compliance Conference including priorities shared by the DOL and EEOC. Bryon Bass, CLMS, CEO; Jess Dudley, CLMS, CPDM, education manager; and Kristin Jones, CLMS, PHR, SHRM-CP, director of education programs, talk about what resonated most as well as tips to he…

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Acknowledging SDOH Is Half the Battle for Employee Success 28:30

2y ago28:30

28:30

Creating programs that address an employee’s unique social determinants of health (SDOH) can improve employee health and productivity, say Patty Nunez, MA, CRC, CDMS, CCM, Commissioner, Commission for Case Manager Certification, and director, Claim Supply Management, CNA Insurance, and Vivian Campagna, DNP, RN-BC, CCM, chief industry relations offi…

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Employers Acknowledge Shared Responsibility for Employee Mental Health 43:10

2y ago43:10

43:10

“There’s never been a more compelling business case for investing in mental health than there is now,” says Bryon Bass, CLMS, CEO, DMEC. Hear Bass discuss takeaways from the 2024 DMEC Virtual Mental Health Conference with Kristin Jones, CLMS, PHR, SHRM-CP, DMEC director of education programs, and Jess Dudley, CLMS, CPDM, DMEC education manager, in …

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Similarities Between Dating and Job Interviews: Corporate Culture Revelations 27:38

2y ago27:38

27:38

Nora Burns, founder and chief curiosity officer of The Leadership Experts, shares findings from her Undercover Candidate research, some of which she describes as horrifying! Listen in to hear this dynamic HR executive turned consultant talk about the cost of culture in advance of her keynote presentation at the 2024 DMEC FMLA/ADA Employer Complianc…

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Are You Controlling the Absence and Disability Management Message? 26:55

2y ago26:55

26:55

Does your organization consider leave as an event or a part of the employment process? Your answer might determine more than you think! Listen in as DMEC education team experts Kristin Jones, CLMS, PHR, SHRM-CP; and Jess Dudley, CLMS, CPDM, discuss how controlling the message of employee absence can be a deciding factor in a program's success! The …

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How Do Employers Ensure Equity and Support Employees Where They Are? 35:43

2y ago35:43

35:43

Confused about paid family and medical leave (PFML) terminology? Learn about the evolution of PFML and get tips on how employers can set realistic expectations with private-sector employees in states where voluntary PFML is available from Jessica Bolar, senior product manager, PFML and Absence Management with The Standard. While there are two of th…

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Could Well-Intentioned Efforts to Protect Employees with Mental Health Issues Hurt More Than Help? 26:00

2y ago26:00

26:00

Employers can create mentally healthy workplaces. One key component is talking with employees about potential solutions to help reduce workload or stress instead of acting independently to protect them; actions that could be misconstrued and cause more harm than good. In this episode Paula Allen, global leader and senior vice president of Research …

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A New Benefits Baseline: PFML Puts States in Absence & Disability Management Business 20:47

2y ago20:47

20:47

It is increasingly important for employers to participate in policy conversations about state paid family and medical leave implementation to ensure their voices are heard, says Tracy Marshall, BSN, RN, CCM, CDMS, SHRM-SCP, division director, Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) division, Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. Listen in…

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Can Restricted Duty Help Employees Return to Work Sooner? 26:53

2y ago26:53

26:53

Unanswered questions and confusion about restricted duty (who is eligible, when should it be recommended, and what an employer's responsibilities are) can delay an employee's return to work, says Tracie DeFreitas, a program leader and director of training, services, and outreach for the Job Accommodation Network. Get insights and perspectives in th…

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Using Process as a Buffer for Emotional Disability Discussions 27:14

2+ y ago27:14

27:14

Strong absence and disability management processes empower employers and help support employees during emotional times, explains Rachel Shaw, president/principal consultant, Shaw HR Consulting. Data can provide a life vest during emotional discussions when employees seek accommodations for disabilities and performance issues muddy the waters. DMEC …

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"Record-Scratch" Moments from the 2023 DMEC Annual Conference 33:58

2+ y ago33:58

33:58

Listen in as DMEC subject matter experts share takeaways and favorite moments from the 2023 DMEC Annual Conference. From inspiring keynote speakers to breaking news about psychedelic drugs to treat mental illness, and important reminders about the meaningful work absence managers do, hear what resonated with Bryon Bass, CLMS, incoming DMEC CEO; Kri…

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Employers Advised to Keep ‘Eyes Wide Open’ as PFML Laws Evolve 28:14

2+ y ago28:14

28:14

How will an increasing number of paid family and medical leave (PFML), which vary by state, influence the future of employee benefits? Listen in to this episode with Terri L. Rhodes, CCMP, CLMS, CPDM, MBA, CEO, DMEC, and Breanna Scott, CLMS, senior product manager, paid statutory leave for New York Life Insurance Company, for details, practical tip…

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Risk Management for the Future of Work 23:56

2+ y ago23:56

23:56

Identifying and embracing differences among four generations in the workplace is essential for employer success, explains Raven Solomon, CEO of Raven Solomon Enterprises, and keynote speaker for the 2023 DMEC Annual Conference. Hear Raven discuss the business strategy to pursuing a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment that encourages a sen…

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Creating More Effective Return-to-Work Pathways 26:12

2+ y ago26:12

26:12

How can employers create an environment that encourages employees to return to work when possible? Kerri Wizner, MPH, Assistant Director of Epidemiology for MDGuidelines, and Dr. Keemia Vaghef, PhD, Director of Analytics Consulting for Alight Leave Solutions, share insights and recommendations in this episode, which elaborates on concepts discussed…

1
Equalizing Mental and Physical Health in the Workplace 23:41

2+ y ago23:41

23:41

Setting expectations with managers that employee health and wellness (physical and mental) are part of their responsibilities and training them to identify and address issues early will become increasingly important, says Dr. Kristin Tugman, vice president of health and productivity and holistic wellness for Prudential. She offers guidance and sugg…

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The Never-Ending Nature of Intermittent Leave 23:52

2+ y ago23:52

23:52

Episode description: Despite best intentions, intermittent leave can disrupt the most productive teams, and some say it's more susceptible to abuse. Yet creating policies with clear, regular communication can help employers ensure that everyone comes out whole, explains Lana Ruprecht, director, product compliance counsel, Reliance Matrix; and Marti…