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How To Obtain Paid And Unpaid Time Off From Work For Health Reasons

Negotiate With Your Employer

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If you're not entitled to paid or unpaid time off, negotiate with your employer. While you may be feeling so poorly that you will take the time off no matter what, keep in mind that you are a valuable resource for your employer. In addition to your skills, a lot of time and perhaps dollars have been invested in you.

First check to see whether you are covered by the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) or similar laws. If you are, you are entitled to a reasonable accommodation. You still have to negotiate for it, but with the law behind you.  If you are not covered by the ADA, consider the following before you approach your employer:

  • Recap for yourself your value to your employer. Think as if you were going to the employer to ask for a raise. The process will boost your confidence for the negotiations. It may also come in handy if you have to remind your employer how valuable you are to the company.
  • Think about how much you are willing to disclose to your employer about your health condition. Get a letter from your doctor explaining the need for the time off. Be prepared if your employer wants more information than you would like to provide.
  • Create a wish list of what you want. For example, it is desirable for your benefits to continue, and for your employer to pay for them. If your employer won't pay for them, ask if you the employer will pay a part. If all else fails, offer to pay the benefits yourself. A continuation of your health insurance, and the ability to continue to see your doctor(s) and continue your treatment is critical. Of course you'd also like your job held open for you.
  • Prepare a negotiating strategy for the meeting.
    • Perhaps you can negotiate for the time you need as an accommodation under a law such as the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) or similar law. For example, an accommodation may be flex time, or the right to telecommute from your home. In both situations, your salary and benefits continue, and your place in the work hierarchy continues.
    • Let your employer know why saying "yes" to your request is good for the company. In addition to keeping a valuable employee, it sends a clear message to the rest of the employees that the employer really does "care."

If you have an advisor or mentor at work, speak with him or her about what has been done in similar situations in the past, what you can reasonably expect, and who is the best person to talk with.

Give the employer a date certain by which you plan to return to work. Make it the earliest reasonable date. If it turns out you can't make the date, let the employer know as soon as you do.

Offer to do as much as you can to get your work load in order before you take time off -- or at least to work-up a set of instructions including where things stand and what is left to do. Also offer to be available for calls while you're not working -- and to do what you can on open projects if needed.


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