Whether you’re feeling under the weather or need to care for a sick loved one, taking a medical leave of absence is usually a good option. Many employers offer paid time off (PTO) and sick leave, but after that runs out a medical leave of absence may be your only option. Depending on your employer’s policies, you may be able to take a medical leave of absence for things like having a baby, having surgery, taking care of a sick family member, jury duty, excessive stress, burnout, and many other reasons. FMLA is one way you can take unpaid leave from your job while keeping your health benefits.
Whether you’re feeling under the weather or need to care for a sick loved one, taking a medical leave of absence is usually a good option. Many employers offer paid time off (PTO) and sick leave, but after that runs out a medical leave of absence may be your only option. Depending on your employer’s policies, you may be able to take a medical leave of absence for things like having a baby, having surgery, taking care of a sick family member, jury duty, excessive stress, burnout, and many other reasons. FMLA is one way you can take unpaid leave from your job while keeping your health benefits.
A medical leave of absence is when you formerly ask for leave from work, with the expectation that you will return to your position after a certain amount of time off. This time can vary from a few hours to several weeks.
Under federal law, employers are required to allow their employees to take a leave of absence without fear of losing their jobs in the event that they need to report for military duty or are summoned for jury duty. Medical leave of absence is also federally protected under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). This act allows employees to take up to 12 weeks a year off for medical reasons and not lose their position or health benefits. However, a doctor’s note is usually required as proof that medical leave is necessary. Things like maternity or paternity leave, and caring for an immediate family member who is ill are usually covered under FMLA.
For those who are not covered under FMLA, a medical leave of absence may still be possible, but it will be up to the discretion of your employer. Many employers offer PTO and non-paid time off for certain situations. The amount of time off may also vary. It is a good idea to be well acquainted with your employer’s polices. You can usually access this information in your employee handbook, but you can also ask your supervisor or HR representative to help you understand the policies if you need to.
There are several reasons for taking a medical leave of absence. Some of the most common reasons, according to BetterUp, are:
FMLA is a federal program that helps qualifying employees keep their job positions and health benefits while taking medical leave for up to 12 weeks every year. Several things must be true for you and your employer to have FMLA eligibility, according to the Department of Labor (DOL). Qualifications for FMLA include:
It is important to note that FMLA leave only protects your job position and benefits for up to 12 weeks per calendar year. Having FMLA leave does not mean you will get paid time off, according to the DOL. Paid leave is provided by the employer, and may be limited. If you have no paid leave with your employer, you can ask about unpaid time off, sometimes called "personal leave". Understand that taking personal leave with FMLA may mean your job status can change. Become familiar with your employer's sick leave, personal leave, and paid leave options before you make a decision.
Mental health conditions can be serious and require some time off, just like some medical conditions. According to the Department of Labor, some mental health conditions can be covered under FMLA, including:
Similar to taking a medical leave of absence, a mental health leave of absence starts by getting documentation from a licensed therapist and making sure that your employer has FMLA eligibility.
One of the first steps in taking a medical leave of absence is getting a doctor’s note for your records. If waiting for an appointment with your primary care doctor isn’t an option, you can get a doctor’s note from urgent care. Find top-rated urgent care clinics in your area by using Solv.
To take a leave of absence from work due to stress, you should first review your company's policies for requesting time off. If you have any PTO available, your company may require that you use it before requesting FMLA or taking unpaid personal leave. Check your employee handbook for what your company policies on sick leave, and unpaid or paid leave. You can also find out if your employer is covered under the Family Medical Leave Act. After reviewing company policies for sick leave and personal leave, you should schedule a meeting with your supervisor or HR department to discuss your situation. Be prepared to provide any necessary documentation, such as a doctor's note or other medical evidence of your stress-related condition. It's important to be open and honest about your situation and to communicate your need for time off in a professional manner.
When someone goes on medical leave, it means that they are taking time off from work due to a medical condition or to care for an immediate family member who has a medical condition. This time off may be covered by FMLA or your own company PTO. During medical leave, you may be able to get FMLA protection, which will protect your job and certain benefits, such as continued health insurance coverage. The specific details and requirements for medical leave can vary based on your employer and how much time you need to take off.
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and a Leave of Absence (LOA) are both ways you can take time off from work, but they have some key differences. FMLA is a federal law that provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for certain family and medical reasons. A Leave of Absence (LOA), on the other hand, is a broader term that can encompass various types of time off from work, including FMLA leave but also other types of leave such as personal leave, sabbaticals, or extended time off for medical or personal reasons. LOA policies and eligibility criteria can vary widely between employers and may include different terms regarding pay, benefits, and job protection.
Yes, you may be able to take time off work due to anxiety, especially if it is significantly impacting your ability to perform your job, according to BetterUp. Many employers have policies that allow for medical leave or time off for mental health reasons. FMLA can also cover mental health conditions such as anxiety. It's important to review your company's policies and procedures for requesting time off and to communicate with your supervisor or HR department about your situation.
Molly Frank, a seasoned Healthcare Copywriter from Gillette, Wyoming, merges over a decade of healthcare experience with expert business marketing acumen to craft compelling narratives for medical organizations. As a Gillette College alumna, Molly's diverse skill set encompasses copywriting, digital and email marketing, blogging, lead generation, social media and direct mail marketing, advertising, user experience writing, and content marketing.
Dr. Rob Rohatsch leverages his vast experience in ambulatory medicine, on-demand healthcare, and consumerism to spearhead strategic initiatives. With expertise in operations, revenue cycle management, and clinical practices, he also contributes his knowledge to the academic world, having served in the US Air Force and earned an MD from Jefferson Medical College. Presently, he is part of the faculty at the University of Tennessee's Haslam School of Business, teaching in the Executive MBA Program, and holds positions on various boards, including chairing The TJ Lobraico Foundation.
