Global HR Glossary

What is a Leave of Absence? 

A leave of absence is an approved period of time off from work, granted to employees for various personal, medical, or professional reasons. Unlike standard vacation days, leaves of absence are used for specific situations that require extended time away from work, such as sabbaticals, long-term illness, or family care responsibilities.

Types and Management of Leave of Absence 

Leaves of absence can be either paid or unpaid and are typically categorized as:

• Mandatory Leave: Required by law, such as FMLA in the U.S., which mandates employers to provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for eligible medical and family reasons.

• Voluntary Leave: Not legally required but offered by employers as part of their benefits package, such as educational leaves or sabbaticals.

Effective management of leave of absence policies requires clear communication of terms and conditions, meticulous record-keeping, and consistent application of policies to ensure fairness and compliance with relevant laws.