The United States lags behind much of the world when it comes to paid leave policies – and that includes paid sick leave. Only four of the 193 U.N. member nations – the United States, India, Somalia and South Korea – do not guarantee paid sick leave for workers. While 77 percent of US workers have some access to paid sick leave through their employers, that still leaves one in four Americans who don’t have access to a single day of paid sick leave for themselves or to care for their children. And even if paid sick leave is available, many workers feel like they can’t take the leave when they need it.
What does it look like to balance being sick with work? The stats are compelling.
Sources:
- Center for American Progress: The State of Paid Sick Time in the U.S. in 2023
- Benefits Pro: Many U.S. Workers Afraid To Use Paid Sick Leave When They Really Need It, Study Finds
- Center for American Progress: Universal Paid Sick Time Would Strengthen Public Health and Benefit Businesses