What is intermittent leave?

Intermittent leave is a type of leave that allows employees to take time off work in separate blocks of time, rather than taking one continuous period of leave. This type of leave is commonly used for medical reasons or to care for a family member with a serious health condition.

Intermittent leave is governed by the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) in the United States, which allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for certain medical and family reasons. Employees must meet certain eligibility criteria, including working for a covered employer for at least 12 months and having worked at least 1,250 hours in the past 12 months.

When taking intermittent leave, employees must provide their employer with advance notice of their need for leave, if possible. Employers are also allowed to request certification from a healthcare provider to verify the need for leave.

Employers are required to track and calculate intermittent leave usage accurately, as each block of leave taken counts towards the 12-week entitlement provided by the FMLA. It is important for both employees and employers to understand their rights and responsibilities when it comes to intermittent leave to ensure compliance with FMLA regulations.