At a breathtaking rate, states and cities throughout the United States (including New York) are enacting various paid employee leave laws. While almost all of these new laws require employers to pay for the time off, they vary greatly in what qualifies for leave and how pay is to be determined. Worse, existing disability and workers’ compensation laws compound the difficulties for employers in managing employee needs for leave while balancing the various requirements of these different laws.
This article reviews the new laws, how each works, and what each requires. Additionally, guidance is provided on how to coordinate these new requirements with longstanding requirements under laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family Medical Leave Act, and workers’ compensation laws. Discussion of leave laws globally is also included. This piece concludes with recommended best practices for employers to follow going forward.
