New Study Shows Paid Sick Leave Boosts Women’s Employment

The passage of paid sick leave laws marks a tremendous achievement for American working people since it expanded the number of states and Washington D.C. to 18 jurisdictions with mandatory paid sick leave policies. Workplace policy took a major leap forward as research demonstrates substantial advantages for workers alongside economic benefits.

A recently published Journal of Policy Analysis and Management study shows paid sick leave laws lead to increased employment rates of 1.2 percent for women particularly affecting those without college diplomas and mothers taking care of children. The Upjohn Institute published an analysis on the pioneering paid sick and safe time ordinance of Seattle. Low-wage job workers enjoy both job security and an additional twenty hours of work time each year.

These policies have been implemented with minimal impact on business operations but significantly improved public health by reducing the spread of diseases in workplaces. Since 2004, the HEALTHY Families Act has been introduced repeatedly, and advocates argue that national paid sick leave legislation could further improve worker productivity and community health, building on the momentum established by the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act of 2021.

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