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Preparing for Work
Everyone knows that if you have the flu, you should stay home to recover and not spread the infection to your colleagues and friends. It’s also clear that childbirth requires time off work for rest. But what about stress? Can you take a “stress leave” from work?
Of course, you can, and sometimes taking a stress leave is the right choice. In a Gallup survey conducted in 2021, approximately 44% of employees reported that they experienced significant daily stress the previous day.
You may not strictly view your situation as a need for “stress leave,” but rather as burnout, anxiety, or depression. You need to apply for leave for any of these reasons in the same way. Here’s how you should handle a request for stress leave at work.
Determining Your Eligibility for FMLA Leave
The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) applies to companies that have 50 or more employees within a 75-mile radius of the workplace. To qualify for FMLA leave, you must have worked at the company for at least one year and have worked at least 1250 hours in the past 12 months. If you meet these qualifications, you may be eligible for legal protection for your stress leave.
Go to the HR department and let them know you wish to take FMLA-approved leave for stress. They will provide you with the necessary paperwork to take to your doctor. It’s not enough to say you are too stressed to work – your doctor must recommend that you take leave for stress.
When talking to your doctor, it’s important to be candid and not minimize your symptoms. The doctor cannot fairly assess your situation if you keep saying “I’m fine. I’m fine. I’m just a little stressed.” Remember that stress can affect your body as well as your mind.
MD site says, “Stress seems to worsen or increase the risk of conditions like obesity, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, depression, digestive problems, and asthma.” Stress is not something to be ignored.
Your doctor will complete the paperwork. To be eligible for stress leave, you must be suffering from a serious medical condition. Not all stress qualifies for FMLA. But if your doctor agrees that you are experiencing a severe condition and that you are unable to work during this time, you will be qualified for protected leave.
You have 15 days to return the FMLA paperwork, so make sure to submit it to the HR department. It’s also acceptable to send the paperwork with a spouse or friend if your condition prevents you from going to the office.
What is Stress Leave?
That will depend on your doctor’s instructions. It’s important to follow their guidance and not treat this as a vacation. Even though you won’t be going to the office, you are not on a holiday.
If your leave is approved under FMLA, you cannot perform any work during the time you are away. Aside from answering a quick question, you should not check your work email, participate in phone calls or meetings, or perform any work tasks. You should focus on your health and alleviating the stress that led you to take stress leave.
FMLA leave is unpaid leave from work. Depending on your company’s internal guidelines, they may require you to use your paid time off and sick leave upfront so that you receive pay while on stress leave. Some companies require this, while others do not. You may also have short-term disability insurance that covers at least part of your salary while on stress leave. Check with your HR benefits coordinator or your benefits provider.
Do
Can you take intermittent FMLA leave for stress?
Yes, you can. If your doctor feels that a reduced work week or another measure is necessary to assist you with your serious stress condition, intermittent FMLA leave is possible. FMLA allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of leave in a year, and the days do not need to be consecutive. FMLA leave can be taken in increments of weeks, days, or hours.
What if I’m not eligible?
If your company is not large enough, or if you haven’t worked there long enough, or if your doctor does not consider your condition serious enough to warrant time off, you will not get protected leave. This doesn’t mean your company can’t approve stress leave; it just means they are not obligated to guarantee your job when you return.
Certainly, ask about taking time off for personal leave to get the rest and treatment you need. Many companies may offer unpaid leave even without FMLA leave. Your state or local area may have different requirements for employers, so ask your human resources department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take FMLA leave for anxiety?
Yes, you can use FMLA leave for anxiety issues. However, you will need to discuss taking leave with your doctor – the law does not protect you if you simply call out due to anxiety issues.
How much FMLA leave can you take for stress?
You can take up to 12 weeks of FMLA leave. These days do not have to be taken consecutively.
Is stress covered under FMLA?
Yes, stress is covered under FMLA, but you will need to talk to your doctor about taking leave from work. You will not be protected if you call out due to stress without a medical recommendation.
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Sources:
– Gallup. “State of the Global Workplace: 2022 Report.”
– U.S. Department of Labor. “Fact Sheet #28: The Family and Medical Leave Act,” Page 1.
– WebMD. “10 Health Problems Related to Stress That You Can Fix.”
– U.S. Department of Labor. “Certification of Health Care Provider for Employee’s Serious Health Condition Under the Family and Medical Leave Act,” Page 1.
– U.S. Department of Labor. “Fact Sheet #28I: Calculation of Leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act,” Page 1.
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/how-to-file-for-a-stress-leave-at-work-4178795
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