FMLA suit? See if worker requested FMLA.

For an employee to successfully claim that your organization violated the FMLA by denying his leave request, he must first show that he actually requested the FMLA leave.

While the employee doesn't have to use the magic words "I need FMLA leave," he must give enough information for the manager or HR to draw a conclusion that the leave may qualify for FMLA. That's why it's important to teach supervisors how to listen for leave requests that could fall under the FMLA.

Recent case: Desiree, who had a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, regularly asked for and received FMLA leave when flare-ups would occur. But when a new...