Pandemic Magnifies Importance of Employer Paid Leave Policies

By Dan Iskra, MBA

AVP Group Disability and Absence Product Development
MetLife

The COVID-19 pandemic has further illuminated the many uncertainties in life that make employer-offered paid leave important. Whether it’s caring for a sick family member, bereavement, or teaching a child from home, employees have needed time off from their professional lives more than ever.

Unfortunately, not all employers have recognized the advantages of offering paid time off. Nearly a quarter of U.S. workers in the private and public sectors — more than 33 million people — do not have access to a single paid sick day,¹ and 80% do not have access to paid family leave.²

While paid leave may be competing against other key priorities for employers, these benefits support long-term success for both employees and employers. When employees have a stable income during a leave, they are better equipped to meet day-to-day obligations and financial goals. In fact, 67% of employees who took health-related leave in the past three years and had disability coverage through their employer felt more successful in both work and life.³ When considering paid leave policies, here are three key benefits that employers should keep in mind:

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