Which of the following is the primary purpose of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)?

The primary purpose of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is to enable employees to take leave for family and medical reasons. This federal law allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year for specific family and medical situations, such as the birth of a child, the adoption of a child, caring for a seriously ill family member, or the employee’s own health condition. This provision is critical as it ensures that employees can take necessary time off without the fear of losing their job, thereby promoting a balance between work and family responsibilities.

The act does not guarantee paid leave for all employees, nor is it limited solely to time off for military duty. Furthermore, while it aims to protect job security during leaves taken for qualifying reasons, it does not address job security during layoffs, which would be covered under different provisions or laws. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the fundamental function of the FMLA in supporting employees' rights to manage their health and family needs.