The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows eligible employees to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons. This leave can be taken in a continuous block or, when medically necessary, on an intermittent basis. Certain employees, categorized as “exempt” under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), are often subject to specific regulations and considerations regarding their use of FMLA, particularly when taken intermittently. For example, an exempt employee needing time off for weekly physical therapy appointments might use intermittent FMLA.
The availability of intermittent leave provides crucial support for employees balancing work responsibilities with ongoing medical needs or those of family members. It allows for continued employment and income while addressing these needs, ultimately contributing to a more stable and productive workforce. Historically, access to such flexibility has been a key component in ensuring workplace equity and employee well-being. Proper administration is essential to avoid potential conflicts with salary deductions for partial-day absences typically prohibited for exempt employees.
