<P> In many jurisdictions, it is up to the employer's discretion as to whether or not an employee's request for a leave of absence is approved . In the United States, the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 defines certain circumstances under which approval of a leave of absence is compulsory . Additionally, the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) dictates certain circumstances under which a LOA must be granted . </P> <P> During periods of time where the employer's market is sluggish, some employers offer certain classes of employees an opportunity to take an unpaid leave of absence as extra vacation time, in an effort to temporarily reduce operating expenses without the complications of performing a layoff, and potentially losing critical employees permanently . Such a period is referred to as a leave of absence in lieu of layoff . </P> <P> In academia, "unpaid leave of absence" has no negative connotation . It is used to give the opportunity to a professor or staff member to assume a non-conflicting position (e.g., political position) without losing his / her original affiliation . </P> <P> Generally, continuation of certain benefits, such as medical insurance, is maintained . Other benefits such as Life Insurance normally require the employee to pay the premium in order to be continued during the LOA . </P>

How to put in a leave of absence