DEED Encourages Employers to Prepare Now for Paid Leave Launch

St. Paul, MN – The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) today reminded employers of the three simple steps they need to take to meet their responsibilities under the upcoming Paid Leave program. Employers must set up their Paid Leave accounts, notify employees by Dec. 1 and take optional actions to make Paid Leave work best for their workplace.

“Paid Leave will help us build on Minnesota’s standing as one of the best states for children and families,” said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. “Employers play a critical role in ensuring the smooth launch of the new program so that Minnesotans can take the time they need for the moments that matter most. With the Paid Leave launch only two months away, employers should take three easy steps right now to set up their accounts, notify their employees and set other policies for their staff.”

Step One: Set up Your Paid Leave Administrator Accounts Now

Before launch, employers must set up their Employer Account, designate a Paid Leave Administrator within their Employer Account and create an Administrator Account with Paid Leave.

• Go to uimn.org to register for an Employer Account. Most employers will already have one. This account will be used to submit wage detail reports and pay Paid Leave premiums.
• Employers must designate a Paid Leave Administrator in their Employer Account by following this step-by-step guide. This person will be the main point of contact between the organization and Minnesota Paid Leave.
• Employers must also create a Paid Leave Administrator Account at paidleave.mn.gov. This account is where administrators review leave applications and view Paid Leave determinations.

Step Two: Notify Employees

By Dec. 1, employers must notify their employees about the Paid Leave program’s launch. Employers are required to both hang a Paid Leave poster and inform employees individually.

• Posters must be displayed where employees can easily see them and must be posted in English and any other language that is primary for five or more workers.
• Employees must be notified individually in their primary language, and employees must acknowledge that they have received the information. This can be done by signing a form, acknowledging receipt electronically or in another way decided by the employers.
• Posters and notices can be downloaded from the For Employers page on the Paid Leave site.

Step Three: Customize Paid Leave to Your Workplace

By Jan. 1, employers should also make important decisions about how to set up their individual workplace policies under Paid Leave, including deciding how to split program premiums, deciding whether to offer supplemental payments to “top off” Paid Leave payments for employees taking leave and other items. Details on these and other policies can be found on the Paid Leave site's For Employers page.

To learn more about Paid Leave, visit the Paid Leave website.

Paid Leave will offer payments and job protections to workers for some of life’s most important moments, like welcoming a child, recovering from a serious illness or caring for a loved one. New program resources will make it easier for individuals and employers to plan and prepare to take advantage of this new employment benefit.

DEED is the state’s principal economic development agency, promoting business recruitment, expansion and retention, workforce development, international trade and community development. Find out how DEED delivers for Minnesota by visiting the DEED website or CareerForceMN.com, and learn how to do business in Minnesota.

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Upon request, this information can be made available in alternate formats for people with disabilities by contacting the DEED Communications Office at 651-259-7161.