Why FMLA is compassion at work

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I was speaking with a representative of an organization that is fighting for the right to keep FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) as the 20th anniversary approaches.  I was surprised that this basic right is only 20 years old and that it’s even in question.

The representative asked me what led me to take FMLA leave.  I explained the perfect storm that was my life a few years ago. I was a single mother of a baby, my mother was suffering terribly in her obviously fatal fight with cancer, and I had a job that required weekly travel 5 hours away and overnights.  It was an unbearable weight that left no room for my own health.  My performance suffered and my boss asked me to take a leave.  My leave was a gift.

As we were talking, the representative apologized for making me relive it all.  I said it was ok; I made it through and was hoping my story could help others.  I didn’t feel like crying, even though it was emotional material we were covering.

Then she asked me why I thought we needed FMLA.  It was at this moment that tears sprang to my eyes.  I had to pause and catch my breath.

FMLA is the very manifestation of compassion at work.

For me, taking 3 months off, knowing that I had a job to go back to, was the safe, soft landing that allowed me to get back to health- mental, physical, emotional and spiritual.  It was a time to reverse more than a year of sleep depravation and poor eating habits.  To spend hours by my mothers side.  And to spend nights with my son who brought, and brings, me endless joy and laughter.

Those 3 months of nurturing my son, myself and my mother set the stage for resilience.  I was healthy enough to rebound when, 3 months after my return to work, my position was eliminated. And again, 18 months later, when my mother passed away after a courageous battle.

Having FMLA is message to employees that they are valued.  It says that management recognizes that things happen beyond our control and that it’s ok to ask for extreme help when extreme circumstances happen.  That’s compassion at work.