A leave of absence from work is an extended period of time off from regular work, which is usually unpaid. It is a way for employees who are experiencing out-of-the-ordinary circumstances to take time off work, such as childbirth, adoption, caring for an ill family member, serious health conditions, military leave, or other personal, medical, or family matters. Employees may request leaves of absence if they have exhausted all their paid time off but still need more. They are legally entitled to a leave of absence in some situations, but otherwise, granting the leave of absence is at the employer’s discretion. There are two types of leaves of absence: mandatory and voluntary. Mandatory leave is governed at the federal level by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which allows eligible employees to take up to 12 workweeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for certain family and medical reasons. Voluntary leave is at the employers discretion and can be used as a recruitment and engagement tool. Employers can also supplement their legal obligations with voluntary leave policies.