Took an unexpected Leave Of Absence

manpreet Best Answer 2 years ago

I took a very unexpected LOA (Leave of Absence) for 2 weeks. Here's a little back story:

I suffer from depression. I have never been hospitalized for it, however I see my doctor every 3 months to see how well my medications are holding up for me. I am allowed to have 9 sick days before I get terminated. I had off Monday and Tuesday, called out Wednesday (put me at 8.5 days) was off Thursday and took this unexpected LOA on Friday (went straight to my Primary Care Physician). I have been off Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and I have not called my work yet. I'm not too sure if I have to or not?.. I know it was very unexpected and now I'm afraid that when I go back to work they're going to let me go due to me not following the proper procedures for taking LOA.

I'm going back to my doctor tomorrow so I can gather the paperwork to take into work. I'm thinking of telling them that I wasn't sure how this whole LOA thing worked and ask them if I did everything correctly? To ensure to them that I'm not sure what the procedures are for taking LOA.

Should I ask my HR any questions tomorrow when I see them or just say I didn't know the procedure for taking a LOA?

manpreet 2 years ago

I know it was very unexpected and now I'm afraid that when I go back to work they're going to let me go due to me not following the proper procedures for taking LOA.

You didn't take a LOA (you didn't actually get a "leave", you just chose not to show up).

Call your work and explain your situation immediately. Do it before you visit your doctor.

Hopefully, you'll still have a job and your boss and/or HR will tell you what you need to do now. Then follow the instructions carefully - you may need additional paperwork from your doctor, you may need to report to HR, etc.

They will also likely tell you what the policy is for not notifying them about your absence.