Nobody likes being sick. And while calling in sick to work isn’t fun, knowing you have the support to stay home and recover makes a big difference. Michigan workers will get that extra support soon with some important updates to sick leave laws.
Starting Feb. 21, 2025, the Earned Sick Time Act will go into effect, changing the way employees accrue sick days in the state.
What’s changing with sick time?
The Earned Sick Time Act provides Michigan workers with a minimum amount of paid sick time to care for their health or the health of a family member. Some key changes and protections you should know about include the following:
- Accrual rate: Employees will earn at least one hour of sick time for every 30 hours worked. Employers must provide at least 40 hours per year at companies with 10 or fewer employees or 72 hours at companies with more than 10 employees.
- Carryover: Unused sick time can carry over to the following year, but employers can limit annual use to 40 or 72 hours, depending on the number of people they employ.
- Family members: The Act protects time to care for family members, including grandparents, grandchildren and siblings.
- Reasons for use: Employees can use earned sick time for physical or mental health needs, including diagnosis, care, or treatment of an illness or injury. Workers can also use this time to care for a child whose daycare or school is closed because of a public health emergency or to attend appointments related to the child’s health.
These changes mean that more employees can rest when ill, care for a sick family member or attend medical appointments without worrying about losing income.
New laws, new adjustments
Whenever new regulations roll out, there can be a period of adjustment for both employers and employees. While most employers strive to follow the law, honest mistakes can happen. It’s essential for you to understand your rights under ESTA. If you believe your employer isn’t complying with the new sick leave requirements, talk to an attorney to understand the possible remedies.
Michigan’s updated sick leave policies mark a positive step towards supporting workers’ well-being. By staying informed about your rights and resources, you can ensure you benefit from these changes and prioritize your health when you need it most.