How to tell your boss you're taking FMLA

To tell your boss you're taking FMLA, or Family Medical Leave of Absence, you need to first check your company's FMLA policies, schedule a meeting with your boss, and put your request for FMLA in writing. Here are some details on these steps and others you can take to tell your boss you are taking FMLA:

• First check your company's FMLA policies

Before making the request for a Family Medical Leave of Absence, you should first check with your company's internal policies regarding asking for leave. You can do this by reviewing your employee handbook or by contacting someone in human resources (HR). When doing this research it is important to find out the following information:

• The types of leave your company allows

• The lengths of leave your company allows

• Whether the leave would be unpaid or paid time off

It is very important to understand these areas before having a meeting with your boss.

• Schedule a meeting with your boss

Try to schedule a private meeting with your boss to deliver this information. Ideally, you should try to do it in an environment you feel comfortable in and one where there won't be any interruptions or distractions. You should also consider your boss's schedule when making this meeting, you want to have their full attention. The end of a work day can be the best time.

• Put your request for FMLA in writing

You should formalize your request for FMLA by putting it into written form. This could be an email or a formal letter. Your request should include:

• A statement detailing your request for FMLA

• The proposed start date of the leave

• The proposed return date for when you come back

You should ask your boss if you need to take any additional steps to make this official besides putting this request into writing. If you have a strong relationship with your boss you might consider including the reason you need FMLA, this is obviously a personal choice, but can sometimes help in terms of your boss granting the request.

• Be sure to give advance notice

You should try to make the request as early as possible. When your employer has more time to prepare for your absence it makes it easier on them and more likely that they will approve your request. This also helps you keep a positive dynamic with your boss and shows them that you are still committed to your job and value it.

• Offer your assistance

To be professional in this request you should also help your boss prepare for your absence in any way you can. This includes things like finding a way to manage your workload while you are on FMLA. This might involve enlisting the help of some of your coworkers or finding or even training a temporary replacement while you are on leave.