Q. "How many sick days do we have to give employees?"
Answer:
It depends. Different states have different labor laws that govern the amount of paid sick leave an employer is required to provide and how that time is accrued.
As of January 1, 2024 California increased the number of sick leave employers of all sizes are required to provide to 40 hours or five days per year. And as we have learned, what California does, other states often follow suit. (Check out your state's current requirements in our Labor Law Cheat Sheets!)
Paid sick leave may seem like a costly benefit, but generosity here might actually save your organization money. Providing more sick leave:
Keeps sick employees at home instead of coming in and spreading germs to other employees
Encourages employees to take care of their health before it becomes a larger issue that might require more time out
Helps relieve stress and anxiety about running out of sick days
Improves organizational and staff culture by showing your employees their health is a priority to you