For the last few weeks here at Neaton & Puklich, we have been talking about the Family and Medical Leave Act and how it can benefit employees in Chaska, Minnesota. This week we will be wrapping up the series by discussing how employees can take advantage of FMLA leave.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s employment law, if you know ahead of time that you will be required to take time off due to a foreseeable need, such as a planned surgery or the birth of your baby, you need to tell your employer in advance that you will need FMLA leave. The sooner you can give notice, the better, however, it needs to be given at least 30 days before the leave is taken.
If something comes up that requires you to take leave in less than 30 days, you must give notice as soon as possible. This typically means the day you find out or the next work day. When something unexpected occurs like an accident or illness, you must notify your employer as soon as you can following the usual workplace procedures for calling in or giving notice.
When you notify your employer of your need for leave, you need to give him or her enough information so that he or she knows you may qualify for FMLA leave. This does not mean that you need to divulge all the details or the diagnosis if you are ill, but you need to show that your leave is covered by an FMLA –protected condition.
To find out more about how this act can benefit you, please visit our FMLA employee rights page.