Under FMLA, how many hours must an employee work to be eligible for leave?

To be eligible for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), an employee must have worked a minimum of 1,250 hours during the 12 months preceding the leave. This requirement ensures that the employee has a sufficient work history with the employer, providing a level of continuity and commitment to the workplace. Meeting this threshold is crucial for employers to determine eligibility and to balance the needs of employees with operational requirements.

The FMLA is designed to provide eligible employees with unpaid, job-protected leave for certain family and medical reasons, and the 1,250-hour requirement is a key part of establishing that eligibility. This number was set to reflect a balance between ensuring that workers who are significantly integrated into the workforce can access job protection during critical times while also considering the needs of employers to maintain their business operations.