Telling Your Employer

The federal Family and Medical Leave Act can give eligible employees unpaid, job-protected leave for a serious health condition, but it depends on your employer's size and how long you have worked there. The Americans with Disabilities Act may require reasonable accommodations, such as schedule changes or remote work, if they do not cause undue hardship for the employer. Many states have their own leave laws that add to these. Employer benefits like short-term disability or paid sick leave vary by company. Your human resources department can explain which programs apply to you, and a benefits counselor or employment attorney can help if something seems wrong.

You can often start with human resources rather than your direct supervisor. For leave or accommodation requests, employers generally need medical certification of a condition and its effect on your work, not your full medical history. You might say you are being treated for a serious illness and need time off for appointments and recovery. Decide in advance whether you want coworkers to know, and ask HR to respect that choice. If you prefer, you can share more later once you understand how treatment is affecting your energy and schedule.

Written requests create a clear record of what you asked for and when. After a conversation, send a short email summarizing what was discussed, such as your request for leave, reduced hours or remote work. Keep copies of any forms your doctor completes and any response from your employer. Note the names of the people you spoke with and the dates. This paper trail helps if there is later confusion about your leave, your benefits or your job status. It can also help if you apply for disability benefits, since those applications often ask about your work history and when you stopped working.

1. 1

   Read your employee handbook or benefits portal for leave, disability and accommodation policies before meeting anyone.

2. 2

   Ask human resources which leave programs you qualify for and what medical paperwork each one requires.

3. 3

   Send a follow-up email after every conversation that summarizes what you requested and what was agreed.

4. 4

   Keep copies of all forms, approvals and emails in the same folder as your medical records.