2026 DMEC Annual Conference Recording: From One-Hit Wonders to Greatest Hits: Building Leave Programs That Last

Using the framework of one-hit wonders and greatest hits, we’ll walk through leave of absence best practices and common missteps. We’ll talk about leave “one-hit wonders” that may have worked when case volume was low or regulations were simpler or undefined, but became problematic as the space evolved. The best programs build a full catalog: clear policies, consistent processes, strong compliance oversight, and thoughtful employee communication. Today we’ll explore what separates a single good idea from a program with lasting impact and how to turn isolated wins into a collection of “greatest hits.