A leave of absence is a period of time that an employee is permitted to be away from work, either with or without pay, for reasons other than regular vacation or sick leave. Leaves of absence can be granted for various reasons, such as medical conditions (including pregnancy), personal issues, family emergencies, military service, or educational purposes. Depending on the reason for the leave, it may be governed by specific laws such as the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or employer-specific policies. The length and terms of a leave of absence are typically agreed upon in advance, and employees may return to their jobs after the leave ends.
