{"id":4778,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:45","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/employment-law-and-human-resources\/vacation-and-sick-leave.html"},"modified":"2026-08-25T08:37:58","modified_gmt":"2026-08-25T13:37:58","slug":"vacation-and-sick-leave","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/employment-law-and-human-resources\/vacation-and-sick-leave.html","title":{"rendered":"Employee Leave: What Are Employers Required to Provide?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Employee Leave: What Are Employers Required to Provide?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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Editorial Note: We earn a commission from affiliate partner links on FindLaw. Commissions do not affect the editorial integrity of our legal content.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n

\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Employee leave<\/span> is any time an employee is permitted to be away from work, whether paid or unpaid. As an employer, your legal obligations for providing leave are determined by a mix of federal, state, and local laws<\/span>, as well as your own company policies. While federal law<\/span> does not require paid vacation, it does mandate unpaid leave<\/span> for certain medical, family, or military reasons.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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This guide outlines the different types of employee leave<\/span> to help you understand the difference between what you must and what you may choose to provide. An employee handbook<\/span> that outlines your policies can help small business<\/span> owners<\/span> reduce confusion and avoid possible legal action. For help creating a paid leave policy tailored to your unique business, consider speaking with a local employment attorney<\/a> experienced in working with small businesses<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Federally Mandated Leave<\/h2>\n

While many leave policies are optional, federal law<\/span> requires employers to provide unpaid, job-protected leave for certain civic duties and qualifying personal situations. Let\u2019s take a closer look at some of the most important factors and laws.<\/p>\n

The Family and Medical Leave Act<\/span> (FMLA<\/span>)<\/h3>\n

Employers must provide unpaid leave<\/span> to employees covered by the federal Family and Medical Leave Act<\/span> (FMLA<\/span>)<\/a>. Qualified employees may take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave<\/span> in any 12-month period to:<\/p>\n