Medical Group Management Association’s MGMA Stat poll asked healthcare professionals if staff is allowed to take time off without pay. Over two-thirds of respondents (69%) indicated that they are allowed time off without pay while 29% are not allowed to time off beyond what is allotted in their PTO plan. The remaining 2% were unsure of whether or not time off without pay is allowed.
The respondents that indicated they are not allowed time off without pay further elaborated that exceptions such as emergencies, legal stipulations (FMLA or Jury Duty), inclement weather, health and family issues or pre-approved managerial/ HR for unpaid time off do exist. Additionally, leaders reported that staffing and filling positions is difficult for staff needing extended time off. Many have systems in place for discipline of an employee with excess absenteeism.
Those allowed time off without pay describe whether or not they had a policy outlining this; 65% indicated that they do, 30% do not and an additional 5% are unsure. Several of the respondents indicated they would be willing to be interviewed about their time off without pay policy; these interviews will take place with members of the MGMA Content and Research teams.
The poll was conducted on August 22, 2017 with 1,438 total responses. Of this total, 11 indicated the question was not applicable to their situation with a net of 1,427 applicable responses.
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