How many hours must an employee work to qualify for the Family Medical Leave Act?

To qualify for the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), an employee must have worked for their employer for at least 1,250 hours during the 12 months preceding the leave. This requirement is essential for ensuring that employees have established a substantive connection with the workplace and that they have sufficient experience within the organization.

The 1,250 hours allows the employee to be eligible for up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for specific family and medical reasons, ensuring protections for both the employee and the employer. Understanding this threshold is critical for employees who may need to take family medical leave, as it determines their rights under the law. It's important to be aware of this requirement when considering a leave of absence to ensure compliance and eligibility for the benefits provided by the FMLA.