Provide guidance, advice and recommendations for the resolution of employee relations activities including performance improvement, conflict resolution, interpretation and fair application of policies and practices, investigations and other sensitive employment decisions. Oversee the accommodations program for all of Travelers employees located in Canada, Ireland, UK and US. Lead the creation and delivery of data and analytics for Employee Relations.

Advised and provided support to business unit clients and HR partners on a variety of complex ER matters, including, but not limited to: disciplinary action, performance management, conduct complex investigations and policy interpretation. Oversaw and led the medical accommodations process for the US, UK, Ireland and Canada. Provided and analyzed ER data and reported out ER metrics.

Led, coordinated and drove the accommodation process to ensure effective communication and an interactive process between all parties in order to promote a positive environment. Provided guidance and coaching, assigned and monitored the work of the accommodations team. Ensured compliance with laws, regulations and policies.

Manage all types of leaves of absence for all employees for United States and Canada, including short-term disability, long-term disability, FMLA, workers compensation, maternity and military leaves, within the state, federal and provincial guidelines. Train new team members locally and remotely. Use subject matter expertise to provide guidance to less experienced team members as they manage their leave caseload. Work with HR managers, Employee Relations and corporate legal on escalated leave of absence issues. Collaborate with Employee Relations on employment accommodation reviews. Lead and assist with projects including updating leave communications, implementation of leave of absence management system upgrades, new absence management system implementation and new leave processes for the US and Canada.

Managed day to day operations for a team of five employees who manage all types of leaves of absence for the United States and Canada. Monitored performance, provided feedback, and coached employees to ensure they were meeting expectations. Identified, implemented and tracked savings of process improvements. Collaborated with HR managers, Employee Relations and corporate legal on escalated leave of absence issues and assisted with employment accommodation reviews.

Managed all types of leaves of absence for all employees countrywide, including short-term disability, long-term disability, FMLA, workers compensation and military leaves, within the state and federal guidelines.Worked with HR managers and Employee Relations on escalated issues and processing terminations for employees on leaves of absence within state and federal regulations.Interpreted benefits policies and procedures for all employees.Approved manual checks and terminations for employees on leaves of absence.Created and updated process documents for the leave of absence team.Created training documents and facilitate trainings for new representatives to learn state and federal regulations along with Travelers’ leave of absence processes and procedures.

Served as first point of contact for all applicants, employees, former employees and retirees for any policy questions related to benefits, staffing, retirement, and payroll.Helped train and mentor new Human Resource Operations Representatives.Documented all incoming calls and emails while maintaining service level agreements, which included providing great customer service and answering questions and/or concerns within 24 to 48 hours.

Utilized PeopleSoft Database to track documents and search for personnel information. Imaged and indexed confidential employee documents within FlieNet.

Recruited volunteers to present a variety of career exploration and career search presentations in classrooms across Minnesota as requested by teachers.Utilized File Maker Pro and Microsoft Access databases to track volunteers and schedule presentations. Facilitated online surveys with teachers after the presentations, summarized survey responses, and sent thank you letters to 50 volunteers twice a month.