There are many ways for workers in Washington to take time off without endangering their careers. Many employers offer paid leave. Workers may accrue a certain number of sick days or vacation days based on company policy and the terms of their employment contracts.
Workers might also be eligible for unpaid leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) in certain circumstances. In fact, professionals could also be eligible for paid leave as a state-authorized benefit in Washington.
Do professionals facing significant personal, medical or family scenarios have the option of combining their state-authorized paid leave with unpaid leave?
Both types of leave have similar rules
Under the FMLA, workers have to experience a qualifying situation to take unpaid leave. A personal medical emergency, medical challenges within the family and the addition of a child to the household are all potentially qualifying circumstances.
The law also requires a minimum work history and a minimum company size based on the number of nearby workers. Employees who are eligible for FMLA leave can typically take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to address their personal medical needs, act as a caregiver or adjust to a new child in the family. They can take that leave in combination with any paid time off provided by their employer.
In fact, workers may also be eligible for state-authorized paid leave in addition to FMLA leave. The Washington state paid leave program imposes similar restrictions to FMLA leave. The worker’s situation has to meet very clear standards. Factors including recent employment history, the size of the employer and the reason for leave determine if a worker is eligible for paid leave.
If they are, they can potentially take that leave in combination with unpaid FMLA leave. Using both benefits together can provide workers with enhanced flexibility. The paid leave program can also help limit the financial hardship often generated by an extended unpaid absence from work.
Workers in need of time off to address personal or familial concerns may need assistance understanding and making use of their employment rights. Learning more about Washington’s paid leave program and FMLA rules can help employees protect their positions while still attending to their personal needs or the needs of their family members.