August 22, 2025
In this episode of the Sedgwick podcast, host Kimberly George welcomes Claire Hoogland, Senior Vice President of Business Development for Sedgwick’s Workforce Absence team. With 25 years of experience at Sedgwick, Claire brings deep expertise in disability claims management, leave of absence administration, and job accommodations.
The conversation explores how Sedgwick supports over nine million covered lives through customized absence programs that reflect each employer’s culture and priorities. Claire shares how Sedgwick’s approach combines compassionate service with advanced technology, including AI tools that help case managers work smarter and faster while keeping the human touch central to every claim decision.
Listeners will gain insight into the growing complexity of paid family leave programs, with new state plans launching in 2026. Claire explains how employers must now evaluate each state individually and decide between state-run or private plans based on workforce needs and company values.
Mental health is another key topic. Claire reveals that mental health has become the leading cause of short-term disability claims, surpassing musculoskeletal conditions. She shares findings from a recent Sedgwick study that highlight the cost and impact of mental health-related absences and offers strategies for prevention, support, and return-to-work planning.
🎧 Click the link above to hear the full conversation and learn how Sedgwick is helping employers support their workforce with care, innovation, and strategic guidance.
