Seth Turner is the founder and former CEO of AbsenceSoft, a platform that automates leave management for companies across the country. With two decades of experience in FMLA, ADA, and paid leave strategy, Seth helps HR teams stay compliant without losing sight of what really matters—people. In this episode of Loss Leaders, he shares why leave is the new frontline for HR and how smarter systems, better communication, and thoughtful leadership can change everything.Leave Is Rising Fast—and Most Teams Aren’t Ready

• Over half of employers have seen leave requests rise year after year, with some jumping 20 to 60 percent.
• State-by-state laws are complicating things, piling new rules on top of FMLA.
• Many HR teams are still tracking leave in spreadsheets, risking mistakes, burnout, and bad employee experiences.

Automation Frees Up Time to Actually Help People

• Cloud-based systems take care of forms, tracking, and timelines so HR can focus on support, not admin.
• Built-in tools flag compliance issues early and give teams the clarity they need to avoid costly missteps.
• Data dashboards reveal trends by department, location, and role, helping leaders plan ahead and make the case for better benefits.

Communication Is the Game Changer

• Employees who feel informed and cared for during leave—even when a request is denied—are more likely to stay.
• Clear, plain language beats legal jargon every time.
• Proactive updates and real conversations with managers build trust and reduce confusion.

What’s Next: Flexibility, Accessibility, and Smart Tools

• Leave and accommodations are merging, so HR needs connected processes and shared metrics.
• A workforce spanning five generations means one-size-fits-all communication won’t work—some want texts, others need walkthroughs.
• AI can help simplify documents and surface questions, but it should never make decisions on behalf of a human.

Key TakeawaysLeave isn’t just paperwork—it’s one of the most sensitive and impactful moments in an employee’s life. As requests rise and regulations shift, HR needs systems that scale, tools that guide, and communication that feels human. Getting this right doesn’t just protect the company—it builds loyalty, empathy, and trust.

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