How do I ask for extended leave from work for medical reasons?

Anonymous

August 2,2022 at 6:06PM UTC

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How do I ask for extended leave from work for medical reasons? I’ve been dealing with a chronic condition for about 2 yrs but only recently received some sort of diagnosis. I don’t “look sick” but I have a slew of daily symptoms that I do my best to hide but unfortunately not sustainable. My work definitely exacerbates the issue and I want to reach out to my manager to request a 2 month leave to focus on my health. How would you recommend I approach this situation?

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Joanne RosenAugust 2,2022 at 6:51PM UTC
Has your doctor recommended a leave? If so, have a letter prepared by the clinic to take to HR. Unfortunately, you may have to divulge the condition. If it's something that, as you say, work exacerbates, it could cause further issues. What happens after the 2 months when you return? Will it still be a challenge?
I was into my 4th year at a job when I divulged that I have Lupus. The department head actually said that this was something I should have said because it actually meant I wasn't fit to work there. Really? After 3.5 years of you not even knowing that I had this, now it's a reason to fire me. Mind you, this guy was looking for any reason to get rid of me. (This was in Oman.) He suggested to my husband, who also worked there, that he should send me back to Canada and only he would stay to work. This man was also hitting on my husband.
Sorry, I digress. Before doing anything, try to find out what their policies are around leaves. That might answer your questions.
Kristina MartinAugust 2,2022 at 8:19PM UTC
Research FMLA intermittent FMLA.
I recently did intermittent and it can cover a block of time or few hours in a day. You and your doctor should meet to discuss filling out the paperwork.
The HR department should know the policy or where you can look.
AnonymousAugust 2,2022 at 8:27PM UTC
Get your doctor to write a letter recommending a leave to attend to your condition.
If your company has an EAP use their therapy benefits to help you discuss all that is impacting you right now.
AnonymousAugust 2,2022 at 10:15PM UTC
If possible, I’d suggest that you obtain a doctor’s letter outlining the course of treatment and recommending that you take a 2-month (or greater?) leave of absence.
This should make it easier for you to make your case.
Check your company’s leave policies and relevant federal and state law before proceeding, so that you know the extent of your rights with respect to a health-related leave.
Amy EdmondsAugust 3,2022 at 3:52AM UTC
If you are in the U.S. and in a large organization, there should be someone in HR who handles medical leave who can tell you what you need to do for that particular organization.
Medical documentation is usually required.