The Family and Medical Leave Act can serve as an early warning system for predicting and preventing disability absences, according to a study by the Integrate Benefits Institute.

"In many ways, FMLA gets a bad rap because of the spotlight on questionable claims, and employers usually focus on trying to prevent misuse of leaves," says Thomas Parry, Ph.D., president of IBI. "Our data tell a different story of how employees are using it and how there's an opportunity for employers to prevent disability absence. Employers should consider using FMLA as an early warning system to detect impending health issues among their employees and their families."

As mandated by FMLA, employees must inform their employers when they or family members have serious medical conditions, which gives an understanding of employees' critical health needs. This helps employers avert longer-term, more serious absences via short- and long-term disability.