Access to paid time off depends on local laws and company policies.
What types of leave are workers legally entitled to?
- All public agencies
- All public and private elementary and secondary schools
- Companies with 50 or more employees
Family leave
State | Length of Leave | Things to note |
California | 8 weeks | |
Colorado | 12 weeks, pregnancy/birth complications may get + 4 weeks | This leave became available on January 1st, 2024. |
Connecticut | 12 weeks, pregnancy complications may get + 2 weeks | |
Delaware | 12 weeks | Delaware has a paid parental leave for eligible state employees, and a family and medical leave program for most other employees that takes effect January 1, 2026. |
Maine | 12 weeks | Enacted in 2023, contributions start January 2025 and the program takes effect in 2026. |
Massachusetts | 12 weeks | |
Maryland | 12 weeks | Contributions start October 2024 and the program comes into effect in 2026. |
Minnesota | 12 weeks | This program takes effect January 1st, 2026. |
New Jersey | 12 consecutive weeks or 8 intermittent | |
New York | 12 weeks | |
Oregon | 12 weeks, pregnancy complications may get + 2 weeks | |
Rhode Island | Up to 6 weeks | |
Washington | 12 weeks, 16 weeks when combining family/medical, 18 weeks due to pregnancy/birth complications | |
District of Columbia | 12 weeks, pregnancy complications may get +2 weeks |
Medical (sick) leave
On January 1, 2024, the Paid Leave for All Workers Act took effect in Illinois. This allows workers to earn up to 40 hours of paid leave for any reason (including family and sick leave).
How does workers’ compensation work?
Worker’s comp and company policies
- inform you that they’re doing this before your leave begins
- allow you to take the leave that provides you with the most benefits
Can employees take time off to vote or for jury duty?
What is a reasonable Paid Time Off (PTO) Policy?
- Flexible
- Clearly defined
- Motivating
Holidays and vacation time
- Asking employees to refrain from taking vacation during their busy season
- Mandating vacation days at certain times of the year (e.g., an annual plant shutdown)
- Requiring employees to request time off before planning their vacations
- Requiring managers to approve time off requests
- Paying out unused vacation upon termination of employment