ATHENS, Ohio -- In the business world, it happens every day.

A valuable employee requests a leave of absence to care for an ailing parent, child or spouse. How can human resource professionals address such needs and follow the law while maintaining company productivity?

Ohio University's sixth annual Human Resources Summer Institute, "Balancing Work and Life: HR Strategies for the New Workplace," aims to answer those questions this August 16 through 17.

"This year we're featuring leaders from major companies that have truly innovative human resource policies, including Cheryl Krueger, president and CEO of Cheryl&Co.," said James Kemper, director of the 2001 summer institute and assistant vice president of Ohio University Human Resources. "Krueger runs a corporation whose management style and family-friendly policies provide a model for businesses nationwide."

Institute attendees will have opportunities to learn about successful programs that other employers have implemented; understand how to draft flexible benefit policies; explore employee options such as elder care, dependent care, flexible spending accounts and flexible scheduling; and talk with other participants about ideas and lessons learned.

Robin Ramey, the institute coordinator, pointed out the importance of public sector presenters as well. Presenter Chris Russell is a leading employment law attorney in Ohio. And fellow presenter Doug Duckett serves as the labor counsel for Butler County, Ohio, and president of the National Public Employer Relations Association.

"Chris Russell and Doug Duckett will talk about how to keep the workplace flexible while remaining within the boundaries of not-always-flexible laws," Ramey said.

The conference is sponsored by Ohio University's Institute for Local Government Administration and Rural Development, College of Business, Office of the Vice President for Administration, Office of the Vice President for Regional Higher Education and Human Resources.