Time Away

If you’re part-time, you accrue sick/leave based on hours worked.

• You will accrue one hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked (accrual rate is 0.0334) starting immediately upon your hire date. You can track your hours directly in your Plan.Dora profile.
• Unused sick/leave carries over year to year (unlimited).
• Sick Paid Time Off is forfeited upon termination.
• You do not accrue vacation time.

Retail locations: Some retail locations (for example, Rhode Island and Massachusetts) observe additional state-specific holidays. Check your local schedule or ask your manager for the location-specific list.

When you need to take time away from work because of a health issue, a new baby, a family need, or something personal, a leave of absence (LOA) helps. While you’re away, we keep the right paperwork (and pay, when you’re eligible) on track.

How to take a leave

If you need a leave of absence, submit your request through Benefits Zendesk. The Benefits Team will review your request and share next steps.

Options available to you

For most, the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is the main leave option available if you meet the eligibility requirements. As a part-time employee, you generally do not qualify for Pandora Short-Term Disability (STD), except in locations where state disability rules apply.

• FMLA: If you’re eligible for FMLA and your claim is approved, you can remain out for the approved FMLA timeframe.
• If FMLA does not apply: You may be eligible for up to 30 days away from work with a possible additional 30-day extension if needed. Medical documentation is required for the extension.
• If you do not return: If you do not return after your FMLA timeframe or your approved part-time leave timeframe ends, you may be moved into a Flex Associate role and will need to follow Flex scheduling protocols.
• Short-term disability exception: While most part-time employees do not generally qualify for Pandora STD, employees in New York and Hawaii may be eligible for state disability benefits.

When you’re getting ready to come back, a few quick steps will help make the transition smooth—especially for scheduling and pay.

• Once you know your return date, let MetLife know (if it’s managing your claim) and give your manager and the Benefits Team a heads-up so that your schedule can be planned.
• If your return date changes, contact MetLife (if applicable) and the Benefits Team as soon as possible.
• If you’ll need workplace adjustments, such as a medical or a lactation accommodation, you’ll need to complete the appropriate form and submit it through Benefits Zendesk when you return. For a medically necessary accommodation, have your doctor complete the Accommodation Medical Certification Form.
• For a non-medical accommodation, you can complete the Accommodation Request Form yourself.

Once your manager knows your return-to-work date, your manager will submit a Return-to-Work Access Request in advance and confirm all systems, schedules, and operation needs are ready before your first day back. If system access was modified during the leave, managers are responsible for submitting the appropriate tickets to restore changes.