Intermittent and Reduced Schedule Leave
FMLA leave may be taken “intermittently or on a reduced leave schedule” under certain circumstances.
What is Intermittent or Reduced Schedule Leave?
- Intermittent leave is FMLA leave taken in separate blocks of time due to a single qualifying reason. Examples of intermittent leave include:
- Leave taken on an occasional basis for medical appointments;
- Leave taken several days at a time spread over a period of six months, such as for chemotherapy; or
- A pregnant employee who takes leave intermittently for prenatal
examinations or for her own condition, such as for periods of severe
morning sickness.
- A reduced leave schedule is a leave schedule that reduces an
employee's usual number of working hours per workweek, or hours per
workday. A reduced leave schedule is a change in the employee's schedule
for a period of time, normally from full-time to part-time.
- For example, an employee who is recovering from a serious health
condition and is not strong enough to work a full-time schedule may be
eligible for a reduced leave schedule.
If an employee needs leave intermittently
or on a reduced leave schedule for planned medical treatment, then the
employee must make a reasonable effort to schedule the treatment so as
not to disrupt unduly the employer's operations.
When Can an Intermittent or Reduced Schedule Leave Be Taken?