What HRBPs Need to Know
HR Business Partners (HRBPs) serve an important consultative and advisory role in helping employees and managers navigate leave-related matters, including the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). HRBPs help ensure that employees and supervisors understand available leave options and that workplace decisions align with university policy and applicable federal and state regulations.
At UMass Amherst, HRBPs do not determine eligibility for FMLA or administer leave programs. The Employee Accommodations and Absence Support team (EAAS) is responsible for evaluating eligibility, making formal leave designations, and overseeing leave administration.
Key responsibilities and expectations for HRBPs include:
- Providing guidance and education to employees and managers regarding available leave programs, including FMLA, Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML), and university leave policies.
- Recognizing potential leave situations early, including circumstances in which FMLA protections or other leave programs may apply, even when an employee has not formally requested leave.
- Partnering with managers to support understanding of leave-related obligations, workforce planning considerations, and appropriate communication practices.
- Collaborating closely with the EAAS team to ensure timely referrals and consistent application of university policy and federal and state requirements.
- Reinforcing established processes by directing eligibility determinations and formal leave administration to the designated leave administration team.
- Supporting consistent and compliant decision-making while helping mitigate institutional risk associated with leave management practices.
Within this model, HRBPs function as strategic partners and facilitators, working in close coordination with the EAAS team to help ensure employees receive appropriate support, managers remain informed, and leave processes are administered consistently, fairly, and in compliance with applicable regulations.