How soon must an employee give notice for an unforeseen leave under FMLA?

Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), when an employee needs to take an unforeseen leave due to a qualifying reason, such as a serious health condition or the need to care for a family member, they are required to give notice "as soon as practicable." This phrasing recognizes that circumstances may not always allow for immediate notification, particularly in emergency situations.

The intent behind this requirement is to balance the need for employers to manage their workforce with the need for employees to be able to take necessary leave without penalty. "As soon as practicable" implies that the employee should provide notice at the earliest opportunity, taking into account the specific situation that caused the need for leave. This flexibility allows employees to communicate their situation based on the specifics of their emergency, rather than adhering to a strict timeline that may not be feasible.