Everything You Need to Know About Tennessee Leave of Absence Laws
Leave laws for employees encompass the number of days an employer allows an employee to take work off. Such time off must be for valid reasons such as having an illness. Employee leave laws are not federally mandated so it is important to understand the amount of time an employer gives for unpaid or paid time off. Here is everything you need to know about employee leave in Tennessee.
Sick Leave in Tennessee
The state of Tennessee does not require employers to give their employees paid time off. Whether an employee is allowed to take paid time off for any illnesses is up to the employer’s discretion and what is stated in the employment contract or company policy.
Bereavement Leave
Bereavement leave is the time an employee takes off to attend the funeral services of a close family member. There is also no established state law requiring employers to provide bereavement leave in Tennessee—it is up to their discretion whether they provide it or not.
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However, due to the fragility and sensitivity of the topic, most employers are usually sympathetic to the situation and will provide time off at no risk to the employee’s position or benefits. Ultimately, this time off is not ensured to be paid.
Family and Medical Act Leave
Although there is no state law in Tennessee that mandates sick leave, there are some federal laws in place that allow employees the legal right to take time off so long as they meet the requirements.
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) permits employees who fulfill the eligibility requirements up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave each year they are employed. FMLA protects the employee’s position and benefits for the duration of the leave. The employee is eligible for FMLA leave if they are:
- Suffering from a serious health condition that prevents them from performing their job;
- Caring for a seriously ill family member;
- Pregnant and are needed to care for the newborn child;
- Caring for a newly adopted child or placed foster child;
- Handling matters due to a family member’s military service.
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An employee is allowed up to 26 weeks of leave if they are caring for a family member’s injury that resulted from their military service.
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If you or a loved one would like to learn more about Tennessee Sick Leave Laws, get your free consultation with one of our Employment Attorneys in Tennessee today!