My boss told me he “feels my aura is off” and put me on unpaid leave until I “re-center.” Is that legal?

Ask for a Written Explanation

Ask for a Written Explanation, Review Your Employee Handbook, Consider Whether This Could Be Discrimination, Document Everything, Explore If This Is Retaliation, Was This Based on a Religious Belief?, Ask About Job Expectations, Clarify the Terms of the Leave, Know That Unpaid Leave Has Legal Limits, Consider HR—If You Trust Them, Think Twice Before “Re-Centering” on Demand, Look Into State Labor Laws, Check Your Pay Rights, Consider Speaking With an Employment Lawyer, Think About Whether This Is the Right Workplace, Don’t Quit Without a Plan, You May Be Eligible for Unemployment

Request that your employer put the reason for your unpaid leave in writing. This can help you clarify whether it’s a performance issue, behavioral concern, or something else entirely. It’s also going to be crucial if you decide to pursue legal advice later.

Review Your Employee Handbook

Ask for a Written Explanation, Review Your Employee Handbook, Consider Whether This Could Be Discrimination, Document Everything, Explore If This Is Retaliation, Was This Based on a Religious Belief?, Ask About Job Expectations, Clarify the Terms of the Leave, Know That Unpaid Leave Has Legal Limits, Consider HR—If You Trust Them, Think Twice Before “Re-Centering” on Demand, Look Into State Labor Laws, Check Your Pay Rights, Consider Speaking With an Employment Lawyer, Think About Whether This Is the Right Workplace, Don’t Quit Without a Plan, You May Be Eligible for Unemployment

You probably haven't looked at is since you were hired, but dust it off and check your company’s policies on leave, performance evaluations, and workplace expectations. If there’s no policy supporting unpaid leave for vague issues like this, it may raise legal concerns.

Consider Whether This Could Be Discrimination

Ask for a Written Explanation, Review Your Employee Handbook, Consider Whether This Could Be Discrimination, Document Everything, Explore If This Is Retaliation, Was This Based on a Religious Belief?, Ask About Job Expectations, Clarify the Terms of the Leave, Know That Unpaid Leave Has Legal Limits, Consider HR—If You Trust Them, Think Twice Before “Re-Centering” on Demand, Look Into State Labor Laws, Check Your Pay Rights, Consider Speaking With an Employment Lawyer, Think About Whether This Is the Right Workplace, Don’t Quit Without a Plan, You May Be Eligible for Unemployment

If the decision to place you on unpaid leave feels personal or targeted, it may be worth considering whether it’s based on race, religion, gender, age, disability, or another protected category. It might not be, but “Aura” might be code for something else.

Document Everything

Ask for a Written Explanation, Review Your Employee Handbook, Consider Whether This Could Be Discrimination, Document Everything, Explore If This Is Retaliation, Was This Based on a Religious Belief?, Ask About Job Expectations, Clarify the Terms of the Leave, Know That Unpaid Leave Has Legal Limits, Consider HR—If You Trust Them, Think Twice Before “Re-Centering” on Demand, Look Into State Labor Laws, Check Your Pay Rights, Consider Speaking With an Employment Lawyer, Think About Whether This Is the Right Workplace, Don’t Quit Without a Plan, You May Be Eligible for Unemployment

Start a paper trail. Write down exactly what your boss said, when they said it, and who else was present. Keep all emails or messages related to the situation. Documentation can be key if you need to escalate the issue.

Explore If This Is Retaliation

Ask for a Written Explanation, Review Your Employee Handbook, Consider Whether This Could Be Discrimination, Document Everything, Explore If This Is Retaliation, Was This Based on a Religious Belief?, Ask About Job Expectations, Clarify the Terms of the Leave, Know That Unpaid Leave Has Legal Limits, Consider HR—If You Trust Them, Think Twice Before “Re-Centering” on Demand, Look Into State Labor Laws, Check Your Pay Rights, Consider Speaking With an Employment Lawyer, Think About Whether This Is the Right Workplace, Don’t Quit Without a Plan, You May Be Eligible for Unemployment

Have you recently complained about something at work, asked for accommodations, or exercised a legal right? If so, being put on leave might be considered retaliation—and that is illegal under federal law.

Was This Based on a Religious Belief?

Ask for a Written Explanation, Review Your Employee Handbook, Consider Whether This Could Be Discrimination, Document Everything, Explore If This Is Retaliation, Was This Based on a Religious Belief?, Ask About Job Expectations, Clarify the Terms of the Leave, Know That Unpaid Leave Has Legal Limits, Consider HR—If You Trust Them, Think Twice Before “Re-Centering” on Demand, Look Into State Labor Laws, Check Your Pay Rights, Consider Speaking With an Employment Lawyer, Think About Whether This Is the Right Workplace, Don’t Quit Without a Plan, You May Be Eligible for Unemployment

If your employer is using spiritual or metaphysical language like “aura” or “re-centering,” ask yourself: is this part of a larger religious or belief-based framework at work? Forcing participation in spiritual beliefs could be a violationof Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which protects employees from religious coercion.

Ask About Job Expectations

Ask for a Written Explanation, Review Your Employee Handbook, Consider Whether This Could Be Discrimination, Document Everything, Explore If This Is Retaliation, Was This Based on a Religious Belief?, Ask About Job Expectations, Clarify the Terms of the Leave, Know That Unpaid Leave Has Legal Limits, Consider HR—If You Trust Them, Think Twice Before “Re-Centering” on Demand, Look Into State Labor Laws, Check Your Pay Rights, Consider Speaking With an Employment Lawyer, Think About Whether This Is the Right Workplace, Don’t Quit Without a Plan, You May Be Eligible for Unemployment

Request clarity on what exactly you’re expected to “re-center.” Are there concrete behaviors or performance issues you’re being asked to change? Or is this based entirely on your boss’s personal feelings?

Clarify the Terms of the Leave

Ask for a Written Explanation, Review Your Employee Handbook, Consider Whether This Could Be Discrimination, Document Everything, Explore If This Is Retaliation, Was This Based on a Religious Belief?, Ask About Job Expectations, Clarify the Terms of the Leave, Know That Unpaid Leave Has Legal Limits, Consider HR—If You Trust Them, Think Twice Before “Re-Centering” on Demand, Look Into State Labor Laws, Check Your Pay Rights, Consider Speaking With an Employment Lawyer, Think About Whether This Is the Right Workplace, Don’t Quit Without a Plan, You May Be Eligible for Unemployment

Ask your boss a few important questions, like: how long is this leave expected to last? Is your job guaranteed when you return? Are you expected to check in, or complete tasks while on leave? Vague unpaid leave with no structure is a red flag.

Ask for a Written Explanation, Review Your Employee Handbook, Consider Whether This Could Be Discrimination, Document Everything, Explore If This Is Retaliation, Was This Based on a Religious Belief?, Ask About Job Expectations, Clarify the Terms of the Leave, Know That Unpaid Leave Has Legal Limits, Consider HR—If You Trust Them, Think Twice Before “Re-Centering” on Demand, Look Into State Labor Laws, Check Your Pay Rights, Consider Speaking With an Employment Lawyer, Think About Whether This Is the Right Workplace, Don’t Quit Without a Plan, You May Be Eligible for Unemployment

Federal law—and some state laws—require that unpaid leave be tied to a legitimate policy or leave category, like medical leave (under FMLA) or disciplinary suspension. Importantly, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) only applies to employers with 50+ employees and to workers who meet certain tenure and hours thresholds. “Aura issues” don’t meet these standards.

Consider HR—If You Trust Them

Ask for a Written Explanation, Review Your Employee Handbook, Consider Whether This Could Be Discrimination, Document Everything, Explore If This Is Retaliation, Was This Based on a Religious Belief?, Ask About Job Expectations, Clarify the Terms of the Leave, Know That Unpaid Leave Has Legal Limits, Consider HR—If You Trust Them, Think Twice Before “Re-Centering” on Demand, Look Into State Labor Laws, Check Your Pay Rights, Consider Speaking With an Employment Lawyer, Think About Whether This Is the Right Workplace, Don’t Quit Without a Plan, You May Be Eligible for Unemployment

If your company has a Human Resources department, consider bringing your concerns to them. Keep your communication factual and professional. Yes, HR exists to protect the company—but they can still help enforce policies and procedures.

Think Twice Before “Re-Centering” on Demand

Ask for a Written Explanation, Review Your Employee Handbook, Consider Whether This Could Be Discrimination, Document Everything, Explore If This Is Retaliation, Was This Based on a Religious Belief?, Ask About Job Expectations, Clarify the Terms of the Leave, Know That Unpaid Leave Has Legal Limits, Consider HR—If You Trust Them, Think Twice Before “Re-Centering” on Demand, Look Into State Labor Laws, Check Your Pay Rights, Consider Speaking With an Employment Lawyer, Think About Whether This Is the Right Workplace, Don’t Quit Without a Plan, You May Be Eligible for Unemployment

You might feel tempted to go along with your boss’s vague expectations to “get back in their good graces.” But don’t make any false admissions or agree to undefined wellness terms that could be used against you later. Keep the conversation tied to objective performance measures, not "vibes".

Look Into State Labor Laws

Ask for a Written Explanation, Review Your Employee Handbook, Consider Whether This Could Be Discrimination, Document Everything, Explore If This Is Retaliation, Was This Based on a Religious Belief?, Ask About Job Expectations, Clarify the Terms of the Leave, Know That Unpaid Leave Has Legal Limits, Consider HR—If You Trust Them, Think Twice Before “Re-Centering” on Demand, Look Into State Labor Laws, Check Your Pay Rights, Consider Speaking With an Employment Lawyer, Think About Whether This Is the Right Workplace, Don’t Quit Without a Plan, You May Be Eligible for Unemployment

Some states have stronger worker protections than federal law. For instance, California and New York provide broader protections against discrimination and wrongful discipline. Check your state’s Department of Labor website for specific rules that might apply to your situation.

Check Your Pay Rights

Ask for a Written Explanation, Review Your Employee Handbook, Consider Whether This Could Be Discrimination, Document Everything, Explore If This Is Retaliation, Was This Based on a Religious Belief?, Ask About Job Expectations, Clarify the Terms of the Leave, Know That Unpaid Leave Has Legal Limits, Consider HR—If You Trust Them, Think Twice Before “Re-Centering” on Demand, Look Into State Labor Laws, Check Your Pay Rights, Consider Speaking With an Employment Lawyer, Think About Whether This Is the Right Workplace, Don’t Quit Without a Plan, You May Be Eligible for Unemployment

If you’re a salaried (exempt) employee under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), your employer generally cannot dock your pay unless you miss an entire workweek—or if the leave is for a serious rules violation. Putting you on unpaid leave for something vague like “aura” may violate wage laws.

Consider Speaking With an Employment Lawyer

Ask for a Written Explanation, Review Your Employee Handbook, Consider Whether This Could Be Discrimination, Document Everything, Explore If This Is Retaliation, Was This Based on a Religious Belief?, Ask About Job Expectations, Clarify the Terms of the Leave, Know That Unpaid Leave Has Legal Limits, Consider HR—If You Trust Them, Think Twice Before “Re-Centering” on Demand, Look Into State Labor Laws, Check Your Pay Rights, Consider Speaking With an Employment Lawyer, Think About Whether This Is the Right Workplace, Don’t Quit Without a Plan, You May Be Eligible for Unemployment

You don’t need to sue—but getting a consultation can go a long way in helping you understand your rights. Many employment lawyers offer free or low-cost initial consultations. Bring your documentation with you and see what they have to say.

Think About Whether This Is the Right Workplace

Ask for a Written Explanation, Review Your Employee Handbook, Consider Whether This Could Be Discrimination, Document Everything, Explore If This Is Retaliation, Was This Based on a Religious Belief?, Ask About Job Expectations, Clarify the Terms of the Leave, Know That Unpaid Leave Has Legal Limits, Consider HR—If You Trust Them, Think Twice Before “Re-Centering” on Demand, Look Into State Labor Laws, Check Your Pay Rights, Consider Speaking With an Employment Lawyer, Think About Whether This Is the Right Workplace, Don’t Quit Without a Plan, You May Be Eligible for Unemployment

If your boss is making decisions based on vague vibes instead of measurable performance, it might be time to evaluate whether this is a healthy work environment. We're gonna say it: Your paycheck shouldn’t depend on someone’s mood.

Don’t Quit Without a Plan

Ask for a Written Explanation, Review Your Employee Handbook, Consider Whether This Could Be Discrimination, Document Everything, Explore If This Is Retaliation, Was This Based on a Religious Belief?, Ask About Job Expectations, Clarify the Terms of the Leave, Know That Unpaid Leave Has Legal Limits, Consider HR—If You Trust Them, Think Twice Before “Re-Centering” on Demand, Look Into State Labor Laws, Check Your Pay Rights, Consider Speaking With an Employment Lawyer, Think About Whether This Is the Right Workplace, Don’t Quit Without a Plan, You May Be Eligible for Unemployment

Even if this feels unfair or humiliating, quitting could affect your ability to claim unemployment or negotiate severance. Explore your legal and financial options first. Quitting makes certain claims harder to pursue.

You May Be Eligible for Unemployment

Ask for a Written Explanation, Review Your Employee Handbook, Consider Whether This Could Be Discrimination, Document Everything, Explore If This Is Retaliation, Was This Based on a Religious Belief?, Ask About Job Expectations, Clarify the Terms of the Leave, Know That Unpaid Leave Has Legal Limits, Consider HR—If You Trust Them, Think Twice Before “Re-Centering” on Demand, Look Into State Labor Laws, Check Your Pay Rights, Consider Speaking With an Employment Lawyer, Think About Whether This Is the Right Workplace, Don’t Quit Without a Plan, You May Be Eligible for Unemployment

If you’re placed on unpaid leave without a clear reason or timeframe, you may qualify for unemployment benefits—even if you haven’t been officially terminated. Eligibility rules vary by state, so check your local unemployment office’s website for specifics.

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