The Proper Procedure for Using a Sick From at Work
Taking time off from work due to an injury or long term illness can create a major disruption for anyone trying to make a living. If the unexpected happens, employees may qualify to take up to 12 weeks leave due to personal injury or illness, pregnancy and birth, or adoption of a child, or to care for a seriously ill relative. In addition to these circumstances, employees can qualify for leave if they have worked for a minimum of 1,250 hours in the past 12 months for their current employer under The Family Medical Leave Act.
Getting approved for FLMA does involve filling out paperwork with your Human Resources department, and obtaining and submitting proper documentation from your doctor. The primary problem that may arise between employers and employees concerning a FMLA request is the failure of one or both parties, in most cases, to follow the proper guidelines or filling out paperwork accurately.
If you are pregnant, are injured, or suffering from a debilitating illness that requires you request reduced hours in your work schedule or a long term leave of absence, it’s the employer’s responsibility to recognize that all three scenarios would qualify as a FMLA leave and to supply the necessary forms. Some things to remember when filling out the form will include:
>> Click Here to Download Your Doctor's Excuses <<
Tips and Warnings to Consider
According to the FLMA ACT, your employer must give you two weeks and a day to complete the medical leave form. Make sure you return the form to your employer in this time frame to ensure that your employer will grant you medical leave. However, employers with less than 50 workers do not have to allow employees to take FMLA.
Different companies will expect some type of notification from you if or illness extends past two days or more. When you return to work you will need to fill out a sickness absence form, and comply to a return to work interview to explain the details of your illness to your supervisor. It can jeopardize your rights to get time off if you really do become sick later in the future or cause you to be terminated! If offered, take personal days off instead of requesting sick days, so that it does not count against you later. Many companies have their own request policies and additional FMLA forms that employees must adhere to and complete.
In summary, employers should explain FLMA rights, provide forms, and adhere to their FMLA duties, whereas employees should accurately fill out FMLA paperwork, provide documentation from their doctor, and update their employees of their circumstances when necessary. The U.S. Department of Labor offers a standard form that employers may use or they may design their own forms to submit to employees who are requesting medical leave for an extended period of time.
Getting approved for FLMA does involve filling out paperwork with your Human Resources department, and obtaining and submitting proper documentation from your doctor. The primary problem that may arise between employers and employees concerning a FMLA request is the failure of one or both parties, in most cases, to follow the proper guidelines or filling out paperwork accurately.
If you are pregnant, are injured, or suffering from a debilitating illness that requires you request reduced hours in your work schedule or a long term leave of absence, it’s the employer’s responsibility to recognize that all three scenarios would qualify as a FMLA leave and to supply the necessary forms. Some things to remember when filling out the form will include:
- Making sure your employer completes the first section of the form.
- Printing your full name in section two of the form in blue or black ink.
- Submitting the form to your health care provider to certify your need to take medical leave.
- Making sure your health care provider accurately completes the form by describing your job duties, and review it one last time before submitting it to the HR department.
- Discussing with your health care provider about any written statements that raise concerns.
- Finding out if your doctor will charge you a fee for filling out your FMLA form.
>> Click Here to Download Your Doctor's Excuses <<
Tips and Warnings to Consider
According to the FLMA ACT, your employer must give you two weeks and a day to complete the medical leave form. Make sure you return the form to your employer in this time frame to ensure that your employer will grant you medical leave. However, employers with less than 50 workers do not have to allow employees to take FMLA.
Different companies will expect some type of notification from you if or illness extends past two days or more. When you return to work you will need to fill out a sickness absence form, and comply to a return to work interview to explain the details of your illness to your supervisor. It can jeopardize your rights to get time off if you really do become sick later in the future or cause you to be terminated! If offered, take personal days off instead of requesting sick days, so that it does not count against you later. Many companies have their own request policies and additional FMLA forms that employees must adhere to and complete.
In summary, employers should explain FLMA rights, provide forms, and adhere to their FMLA duties, whereas employees should accurately fill out FMLA paperwork, provide documentation from their doctor, and update their employees of their circumstances when necessary. The U.S. Department of Labor offers a standard form that employers may use or they may design their own forms to submit to employees who are requesting medical leave for an extended period of time.