This article outlines all types of leave of absence and describes when employees are entitled to a paid one.
As an employer, it’s critical to form a detailed leave of absence policy and communicate it all to employees. You must consider all types of leave of absence and comply with the federal and state requirements. This article outlines all types of leave of absence and describes when employees are entitled to a paid one.
What is a Leave of Absence?
A leave of absence (LOA) is an employee’s request for time away from work, whether mandatory, voluntary, governed by federal and state laws, or a company’s internal policies. LOAs can also be paid or unpaid and requested for various reasons, including:
- Personal issues
- Medical appointments
- Vacation
- Jury duty
- Pregnancy
- Military service
- Voting
Leave of Absence Types
Employees in your company can also request the following types of leave of absence:
Jury Duty Leave
Even though there is no federal law that regulates jury duty leave, most states have laws that prohibit employers from penalizing employees for serving on a jury. This ensures the employee returns to the same duties at their job. The states that have made absence of leave mandatory due to jury include Alabama, Colorado, Louisiana, New York, Tennessee, etc.
Time Off for Voting
There is no federal right to take time off work to vote, but most states have laws that require employers to offer employees some voting leave benefits (paid or unpaid).
Bereavement Leave
Did you know Oregon has passed a law requiring employers to provide bereavement leave to their staff? However, many businesses opt to include compassionate leave in their unpaid or paid leave policies.
Voluntary Leave
Employers determine whether to grant a request for voluntary leave according to their internal procedures and policies. Many businesses will provide specific days for personal events or reasons such as moving homes, even though this is typically unpaid.
Parental Leave
Parental leave is vital for the mental and physical well-being of new parents and their babies. It’s a significant time for new mothers to get used to becoming a parent and recover from the physical demands of childbirth. In addition, this type of leave of absence is an opportunity for the father to bond with the baby.
Ultimately, a leave of absence is crucial for employees because they might need to take time off work due to health issues.
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