Should I talk to my manager about FMLA?

Amazon
DM_Me_Jobs

Go to company page Amazon

DM_Me_Jobs
Jul 6, 2021 21 Comments

I'm on good terms with my manager, we're both transparent with each other but I'm depressed as fuck from work. Our workload is too much (three oncall shifts - primary, secondary, and GovCloud, ticket queue 240+, sometimes 40+ pages a week, we only have about 8 people on the team) and I don't like what I do. My manager also seems heavily overworked.

My worry is that I'll be rushed to a dev plan if I communicate FMLA. But I've been a top performer for every year but last year.

I want to take 4 months of FMLA to travel, find new work, and work on myself. My Doctor agreed to helping me take FMLA for my depression. Is it worth telling my manager about it? Or do I just start FMLA and communicate after the fact?

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 TOP 21 Comments
  • Google
    Dindeh

    Go to company page Google

    Dindeh
    If you must communicate then do it by email to document the request and especially the time. If you are PIPed then you can easily sue them
    Jul 6, 2021 2
  • Yes talk. But don’t use FMLA unless you plan to get therapy or are otherwise supporting Ill family.
    Jul 6, 2021 7
    • Google
      eBAv57

      Go to company page Google

      eBAv57
      Lol @microsoft awtw15, a doctor has agreed to sign off on OPs case. Do you think you are better judge of OPs mental state than a doctor that too based on this one post. Unless you have a medical qualifications and can make that assessment, you should GTFO with that abusing the system shit.
      Jul 6, 2021
    • Amazon
      grosslauda

      Go to company page Amazon

      grosslauda
      Also I really hope you are not a manager Microsoft. I feel terrible reading your comment tbh. Made me very sad.
      Jul 6, 2021
  • Using FMLA for mental health is allowed, but it can be tough. The depression has to be serious enough that it incapacitates you from working. The employer can ask for medical documentation and they can also require you to take PTO and medical leave first before it kicks in.
    It sounds like you need time off, so take PTO or quit and find a new job.
    Jul 6, 2021 3
    • Google
      eBAv57

      Go to company page Google

      eBAv57
      OP says they have an doctor who supports their case. Thats all you need for FMLA. Employer cant force you to use paid leave before fmla. All you need is a doctors note thats it.
      Jul 6, 2021
    • "The law permits the employer to require the employee to use accrued paid vacation leave, paid sick, or family leave for some or all of the FMLA leave period"
      Deloitte I think requires you to use 1 week b before FMLA
      Jul 6, 2021
  • Google
    eBAv57

    Go to company page Google

    eBAv57
    OP, I was at Amazon and I took FMLA for the same reasons. Though I didn't travel, I did LC and searched for other jobs. My manager was the worst person I have come across in my professional life. So I didn't tell him shit. I messaged him 5 mins before requesting fmla.

    I don't think you can get 4 months. 12 weeks max and thats like 3months . I came back from FMLA after 8 weeks. I was told within 2 weeks of returning that I was in focus. I didn't care because I had other offers in hand.

    You should communicate since you have decided to find another job and have good relations with your manager, but understand that this could be the end of your time at Amazon.

    Secondly, they might tell you that you have give 30 days notice etc. Don't believe that shit. Let me know if you have questions about fmla and fmla at amazon
    Jul 6, 2021 3
    • Google
      eBAv57

      Go to company page Google

      eBAv57
      I resigned 2 weeks after coming back from FMLA, my manager told me I was on Focus when I resigned. I don't know whether we are protected or not and for how long, but this is what happened with me.
      Jul 6, 2021
    • Amazon
      iEDe66

      Go to company page Amazon

      iEDe66
      Can I request FMLA starting the day after, or do I need to notify it a few days in advance? I'm already on focus so not bothered about it.
      Aug 16, 2021
  • Take FMLA once your doc is onboard. Don't tell manager ahead of time.

    I took FMLA at Amazon. DM me for any questions.

    Note that Amazon cannot "deny" your FMLA leave.
    Jul 6, 2021 0