Good Reasons To Take A Leave Of Absence

Asking for a leave of absence from work either when you need leave for a medical procedure or to mourn a death is surely the most stressful task an employee could ever undergo. For helping your employer prepare for your absence or time-off,  it is important to present the reason for your absence professionally. Here we discussed some of the good reasons to take leave. 

As per Axios.com, 11% of U.S employees work more than 50 hours per week where people spend over 40% of the day on their job.  No wonder people should take a good break. If you are thinking of taking an absence of leave then you deserve it. We all might feel guilty about taking the absence of leave as in the U.S. culture, taking time-off is looked down upon. 

Every employee has plenty of options to take leave but taking a leave of absence isn’t easy.  Whatever the reason can be to take leave, you should submit a formal application that ensures that you made arrangements for your deadlines and projects.

Before requesting leave of absence, employees need to know what defenses they have below state law, federal law, through the employer’s policies. As an employee of New York, it is suggested to know what your employer’s policies are regarding paid, or unpaid, time off. So, know how you can present your reason while requesting a leave of absence.

After all, most employees will be approved of leave based upon the reason for your leave and the employer-employee relationship. You shouldn’t begin the meeting by listing your lawful protections.  Understanding the workplace supports you to reach the discussion knowledgeably while negotiating with the best solution for your employer and you. 

What is a leave of absence?

Contrary to paid time off, which involves sick days and vacation leave,  a leave of absence is for employees handling unusual situations like medical emergencies, new children, and more.

A leave of absence could be unpaid or paid. State and federal governments regulate mandatory leaves via the American disabilities act,  Emergency Family and Medical Leave Act (EFMLA), and Family and Medical Leave Act. These laws make sure you have job protection even on your leave.

There are several reasons that an employee requests a leave of absence as per FMLA. A few of them are:

Health conditionsChildbirth, or adoption  To care for a family memberFor Military purposes

 Mandatory leaves are determined by law but the voluntary leaves depend upon employer preference that doesn’t provide job protection. 

An employee who takes leave under FMLA or FMLA  will not be utilizing their vacation or sick days.  Normally, every PTO needs to be utilized before an employee pleads for unpaid leave below FMLA. However, the FMLA  doesn’t expect that employers pay employees during a leave of absence, but they can do so.

What are the types of leaves of absence? 

There are two major types of leave:

MandatedVolunteer

.

Mandated leaves of absence involve military leave, jury duty leave, voter leave,  victim leave, and more. Both Americans with disabilities (ADA) and  Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) fall under this category.

A voluntary leave of absence includes any professional or personal reasons. Few examples of personal leave as family emergencies,  maternity leave,  sick leave, medical leave, and religious leave to name a few.

Difference between good reasons and bad reasons?

Excuses or reasons have two sides to the story.  A good excuse might be believable where you don’t tell a lie to make your employer believe it.

For instance, an excuse for the death of a family member can be a bad excuse for leaving. As your employer cares too much about the situation that leaves you telling more lies in the future. So, a good excuse is believable,  relatable that has an expiration date. 

For instance, asking for sick leave can be a good excuse. If your employers further ask why you don’t sound sick then clarify what kind of illness you were facing and move ahead.

Things to remember before asking for a Leave 

Whatever the reason you have,  it is vital to approach properly to get the leave approved easily. 

Taking leave from Casual Workplace

Requesting a leave of absence from a casual workplace could be easy to say, “I need a leave for few days” 

Taking leave at Formal Workplace

In formal workplaces, you should frame requests according to the company policy. The company might have approaches for the ones who are eligible to take leave and when.

Best Ways to Ask for a leave of absence 

A.Start with the supervisor

Never make your supervisor hear about your leave news from upper management firstly. It is better not to mention your intention to take leave till you talk with the supervisor. 

B. Write your request

Try to submit your request through email before you meet your superior face to face. Add the reasons for the leave along with your willingness to ease the transition, while you are on your leave. 

C. Know when your boss is least stressed and meet him  

 If your boss is stressed and overwhelmed, they can easily refuse your leave right away. So,  wait for the best time and be strategic while you are presenting the request.

D. Let them know when you can show up again 

 Tell your manager about when you can return. No need to give an exact date, give your employer a timeframe about when they can expect you back to the office.

How to Inform Your Manager or Boss?

As we discussed above, choose the right time and it can be very soon as you think of taking leave.  

If your business uses instant messaging tools like Slack. Then send a message to the boss via slack or can email them too.  If they aren’t likely to use any tools, then call them or leave a Voice message. 

How to inform Your Colleagues?

Informing your colleagues is a crucial part of taking the time off. Here’s to do it :

Direct messaging them through email or Slack Inform them about your  reason for leavingLet them know about the plan to reach the productivity or can ask anyone to fill youChange your  meetings or notify meeting holders that you aren’t going to attend netting for few days

Good Excuses that employers can’t say no to

Here are the following excuses that are legal reasons employers can be approved as long or short-term absences.

1.Maternity Leave

Maternity leave is the best to take leave of absence that is regulated to every all mother by law

2. Adoption leave 

Adopting falls under the parental leave category that makes it also the best excuse for leaving to absence. 

3.Paternity Leave

Not just mothers, even fathers these days  are entitled to parental leave for few weeks

4. Personal Leave

A personal leave could  include family issues or other   personal  reasons for which you like  to take leave

5. Death 

Employers grants leave to the employee instantly who are suffering from the loss of a loved one

6. Illness

Illness or being sick as usual but a good reason to get a leave of absence. No one likes to assign you to work while you are sick 

7. Travel 

Most of the employees these days requesting some time off from work to travel that made it best excuse 

8. Relief from Stress 

Business is taking some necessary precautions regarding mental health and stress, taking leave due to mental health issues or stresses is a good excuse 

9. Accidents or emergency 

Accidents are usually qualified as legitimate pleas for a sudden leave. Even accidents or health  of your family is taken into consideration of leave  

10. Car trouble

A  dead battery, flat tire make you miss work, an employer can doubt it if it’s happening again and again

11. Sick or missing pet

If your pet should be taken into an emergency or missing,  you should stay at home. 

12. Numerous Absences

Here is the excuse that might not be similar to the above one’s but these can give you few days off from work:

Mental health day Special occasions,  as a get-together, child’s performance, religious holiday Military dutiesJury dutySystem issues House emergencyMedical test or appointment.

Conclusion

Both employers and employees should appreciate the nature of the leave of absence. That can be something beneficial for both and boost workflow and productivity too. But remember not to lie or give too much information about the reason. Whatever your explanation for the leave is, either it’s for long-term or short-term,  it’s best, to be honest about it. Estimate the time you need then update it with the supervisor. If you have anything to say, let us know about it in the comment section below. 

What are the types of leaves?

There are two kinds of leaves, mandatory and voluntary. Federal laws regulate mandatory leaves but 

Voluntary leaves don’t need any law. As they are non-mandatory, you can be granted leave depending on your employer’s discretion and as per guidelines.

Can I get paid while on leave of absence?

It’s based upon your company. Your employer should decide whether he/she is likely to pay you. Although most of these situations are protected through federal laws there is no rule about paying employees while on leave of absence. 

How long could you take a leave of absence?

A leave issued by the FMLA allows employees to take up to 12 weeks in a 12-month duration. Situations such as adoption,  childbirth,  caring family, and serious health conditions, come under this FMLA category.

What are the steps to follow for a leave of absence? 

Here are the five steps to follow while asking leave of absence:

Know the  legal rights Request your superiors in person. Let your employer know about your leave with advance notice. Develop an agreeable plan along with your bossMonitor all the relevant paperwork.

title: “Good Reasons To Take A Leave Of Absence” ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-13” author: “Elizabeth Boyles”

Asking for a leave of absence from work either when you need leave for a medical procedure or to mourn a death is surely the most stressful task an employee could ever undergo. For helping your employer prepare for your absence or time-off,  it is important to present the reason for your absence professionally. Here we discussed some of the good reasons to take leave. 

As per Axios.com, 11% of U.S employees work more than 50 hours per week where people spend over 40% of the day on their job.  No wonder people should take a good break. If you are thinking of taking an absence of leave then you deserve it. We all might feel guilty about taking the absence of leave as in the U.S. culture, taking time-off is looked down upon. 

Every employee has plenty of options to take leave but taking a leave of absence isn’t easy.  Whatever the reason can be to take leave, you should submit a formal application that ensures that you made arrangements for your deadlines and projects.

Before requesting leave of absence, employees need to know what defenses they have below state law, federal law, through the employer’s policies. As an employee of New York, it is suggested to know what your employer’s policies are regarding paid, or unpaid, time off. So, know how you can present your reason while requesting a leave of absence.

After all, most employees will be approved of leave based upon the reason for your leave and the employer-employee relationship. You shouldn’t begin the meeting by listing your lawful protections.  Understanding the workplace supports you to reach the discussion knowledgeably while negotiating with the best solution for your employer and you. 

What is a leave of absence?

Contrary to paid time off, which involves sick days and vacation leave,  a leave of absence is for employees handling unusual situations like medical emergencies, new children, and more.

A leave of absence could be unpaid or paid. State and federal governments regulate mandatory leaves via the American disabilities act,  Emergency Family and Medical Leave Act (EFMLA), and Family and Medical Leave Act. These laws make sure you have job protection even on your leave.

There are several reasons that an employee requests a leave of absence as per FMLA. A few of them are:

Health conditionsChildbirth, or adoption  To care for a family memberFor Military purposes

 Mandatory leaves are determined by law but the voluntary leaves depend upon employer preference that doesn’t provide job protection. 

An employee who takes leave under FMLA or FMLA  will not be utilizing their vacation or sick days.  Normally, every PTO needs to be utilized before an employee pleads for unpaid leave below FMLA. However, the FMLA  doesn’t expect that employers pay employees during a leave of absence, but they can do so.

What are the types of leaves of absence? 

There are two major types of leave:

MandatedVolunteer

.

Mandated leaves of absence involve military leave, jury duty leave, voter leave,  victim leave, and more. Both Americans with disabilities (ADA) and  Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) fall under this category.

A voluntary leave of absence includes any professional or personal reasons. Few examples of personal leave as family emergencies,  maternity leave,  sick leave, medical leave, and religious leave to name a few.

Difference between good reasons and bad reasons?

Excuses or reasons have two sides to the story.  A good excuse might be believable where you don’t tell a lie to make your employer believe it.

For instance, an excuse for the death of a family member can be a bad excuse for leaving. As your employer cares too much about the situation that leaves you telling more lies in the future. So, a good excuse is believable,  relatable that has an expiration date. 

For instance, asking for sick leave can be a good excuse. If your employers further ask why you don’t sound sick then clarify what kind of illness you were facing and move ahead.

Things to remember before asking for a Leave 

Whatever the reason you have,  it is vital to approach properly to get the leave approved easily. 

Taking leave from Casual Workplace

Requesting a leave of absence from a casual workplace could be easy to say, “I need a leave for few days” 

Taking leave at Formal Workplace

In formal workplaces, you should frame requests according to the company policy. The company might have approaches for the ones who are eligible to take leave and when.

Best Ways to Ask for a leave of absence 

A.Start with the supervisor

Never make your supervisor hear about your leave news from upper management firstly. It is better not to mention your intention to take leave till you talk with the supervisor. 

B. Write your request

Try to submit your request through email before you meet your superior face to face. Add the reasons for the leave along with your willingness to ease the transition, while you are on your leave. 

C. Know when your boss is least stressed and meet him  

 If your boss is stressed and overwhelmed, they can easily refuse your leave right away. So,  wait for the best time and be strategic while you are presenting the request.

D. Let them know when you can show up again 

 Tell your manager about when you can return. No need to give an exact date, give your employer a timeframe about when they can expect you back to the office.

How to Inform Your Manager or Boss?

As we discussed above, choose the right time and it can be very soon as you think of taking leave.  

If your business uses instant messaging tools like Slack. Then send a message to the boss via slack or can email them too.  If they aren’t likely to use any tools, then call them or leave a Voice message. 

How to inform Your Colleagues?

Informing your colleagues is a crucial part of taking the time off. Here’s to do it :

Direct messaging them through email or Slack Inform them about your  reason for leavingLet them know about the plan to reach the productivity or can ask anyone to fill youChange your  meetings or notify meeting holders that you aren’t going to attend netting for few days

Good Excuses that employers can’t say no to

Here are the following excuses that are legal reasons employers can be approved as long or short-term absences.

1.Maternity Leave

Maternity leave is the best to take leave of absence that is regulated to every all mother by law

2. Adoption leave 

Adopting falls under the parental leave category that makes it also the best excuse for leaving to absence. 

3.Paternity Leave

Not just mothers, even fathers these days  are entitled to parental leave for few weeks

4. Personal Leave

A personal leave could  include family issues or other   personal  reasons for which you like  to take leave

5. Death 

Employers grants leave to the employee instantly who are suffering from the loss of a loved one

6. Illness

Illness or being sick as usual but a good reason to get a leave of absence. No one likes to assign you to work while you are sick 

7. Travel 

Most of the employees these days requesting some time off from work to travel that made it best excuse 

8. Relief from Stress 

Business is taking some necessary precautions regarding mental health and stress, taking leave due to mental health issues or stresses is a good excuse 

9. Accidents or emergency 

Accidents are usually qualified as legitimate pleas for a sudden leave. Even accidents or health  of your family is taken into consideration of leave  

10. Car trouble

A  dead battery, flat tire make you miss work, an employer can doubt it if it’s happening again and again

11. Sick or missing pet

If your pet should be taken into an emergency or missing,  you should stay at home. 

12. Numerous Absences

Here is the excuse that might not be similar to the above one’s but these can give you few days off from work:

Mental health day Special occasions,  as a get-together, child’s performance, religious holiday Military dutiesJury dutySystem issues House emergencyMedical test or appointment.

Conclusion

Both employers and employees should appreciate the nature of the leave of absence. That can be something beneficial for both and boost workflow and productivity too. But remember not to lie or give too much information about the reason. Whatever your explanation for the leave is, either it’s for long-term or short-term,  it’s best, to be honest about it. Estimate the time you need then update it with the supervisor. If you have anything to say, let us know about it in the comment section below. 

What are the types of leaves?

There are two kinds of leaves, mandatory and voluntary. Federal laws regulate mandatory leaves but 

Voluntary leaves don’t need any law. As they are non-mandatory, you can be granted leave depending on your employer’s discretion and as per guidelines.

Can I get paid while on leave of absence?

It’s based upon your company. Your employer should decide whether he/she is likely to pay you. Although most of these situations are protected through federal laws there is no rule about paying employees while on leave of absence. 

How long could you take a leave of absence?

A leave issued by the FMLA allows employees to take up to 12 weeks in a 12-month duration. Situations such as adoption,  childbirth,  caring family, and serious health conditions, come under this FMLA category.

What are the steps to follow for a leave of absence? 

Here are the five steps to follow while asking leave of absence:

Know the  legal rights Request your superiors in person. Let your employer know about your leave with advance notice. Develop an agreeable plan along with your bossMonitor all the relevant paperwork.