What is a Leave of Absence?
A leave of absence is when an employee is experiencing an out of the ordinary situation that requires an extended period of time out of work. This could be due to childbirth, adoption, foster care, caring for an ill family member, treatment of the employee’s own serious health condition, or military leave to name a few.
Request a Leave:
Visit the Employee Self Service site to request a leave.
https://genescoinc.ess-absencetracker.com/login
What is a workplace accommodation?
A workplace accommodation is an adjustment to a job or work environment that makes it possible for an individual with a disability to perform their assigned job duties. Workplace accommodation requests are handled on a case by case basis and are supported by medical documentation. Genesco will work with the employee directly to come up with the best options to meet the employee’s individual needs based on a documented disability. To begin the process of requesting a workplace accommodation, please contact the Leave department directly at leave@genesco.com.
When does an employee need to request a Leave of Absence or Workplace Accommodation?
- When an employee experiences an illness or injury that results in missing at least 5 consecutive days of work (including the birth of a child)
- When an employee has a doctor’s note that impacts the ability to perform at least one or more job duties (restrictions or workplace accommodations needed)
- When an employee needs time off intermittently (routinely or occasionally) for their own medical care/issues
- When an employee needs time off to care for the illness or injury of a close family member on an intermittent or continuous basis.
Different Types of Leave of Absences that Genesco offers.
Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is a federally required unpaid, job-protected leave of absence for employees that have worked at least 12 months in the previous 7 years and worked 1,250 hours in the previous 12 months prior to their leave of absence start date.
Accommodation Leave of Absence
An Accommodation Leave of Absence is offered to employees who do not meet the qualifications for Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or have exhausted their time allocated under FMLA. An accommodation leave of absence does not offer the same form of job-protected leave as FMLA. If approved, the company agrees to work with you to allow you to return to an open position, as long as one is available, once your leave has ended even if it is not the same position you held prior to the start of your leave of absence.
Personal Leave of Absence
Genesco offers a Personal Leave of Absence for employees who do not meet the requirements for a medical leave of absence under Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or Accommodation Leave of Absences. Personal Leave of Absences are normally granted for up to 30 days. A Personal Leave of Absence has to be approved by your District Manager/Supervisor. Under an approved Personal Leave of Absence, you are required to exhaust all currently accrued PTO, sick, or vacation time before going out on an unpaid leave of absence.
Pay Options While out on a Leave of Absence
Maternity Leave Pay
Further information can be found by visiting the Maternity Leave Page (insert direct link to page)
Parental Leave Pay
Further information can be found by visiting the Maternity Leave Page (insert direct link to page) and Parental Leave Page (insert direct link to page).
PTO/Sick/Vacation Time
Employees will be required to exhaust all currently available PTO, sick, or vacation time while out on an approved leave of absence, if no other paid leave of absence options are available through the company or state. This time will be exhausted before going out on an unpaid leave of absence.
Short Term Disability Plans
Genesco currently offers 2 Short Term Disabilities policies that can be elected during the employee’s initial eligibility period, open enrollment, or during any life event. In order to be eligible to use this benefit, employees will have to meet a 90-day elimination period before any claims can be filed under either plan. There is a 7-day waiting period associated with both Short-Term Disability options unless an employee has been hospitalized or has surgery. Further information on these plans can be found by visiting https://2025genesco.burbledev.com/benefit/short-term-disability/.
