Tanya Brown is the Senior Director, HR Consulting, Employee and Labor Relations at Vanderbilt University. She has 15 years of experience in Human Resources in many industries including the private sector, public sector, and higher education. Tanya currently leads a team of HR Consultants, who are the primary contact for leaders and employees across the university for matters related to human resources, and workers’ compensation and leave team. Tanya has a Bachelor’s of Arts in Social Sciences with a minor in Psychology from the University of Arizona and a Master’s of Science in Human Resources Strategic Management from Bellevue University.

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is of paramount importance in a research setting. Researchers often face demanding workloads and unique challenges, and FMLA ensures they can balance their professional commitments with personal needs. This legislation grants eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave, enabling them to address critical family or health issues without risking their careers. In a research environment, where project continuity is essential, FMLA helps maintain ongoing work, minimizes disruptions, and fosters a more inclusive, supportive atmosphere. It promotes work-life balance, ensuring the well-being and productivity of researchers, thus contributing to the overall success of research endeavors.

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