TRENTON – A two-year study commissioned by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) to measure awareness of -- and perceived access to -- the state’s paid leave laws found 71 percent of workers report having access to paid time off to care for themselves, while half were able to identify Earned Sick Leave and Family Leave Insurance by name.
The study, conducted by the John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development and other partners in conjunction with NJDOL, sought to understand opinions and use of the programs. About half of respondents reported having access to paid leave to care for loved ones.
While workers must meet eligibility requirements to qualify for Family Leave Insurance benefits, all employers regardless of size must provide paid sick leave to nearly all workers, full-time, part-time, and temporary. Employers are also required to inform employees of their paid leave benefits and protections.
Both the Earned Sick Leave Law and Family Leave benefits cover time off to care for oneself, as well as loved ones. A related sick leave study by Heldrich revealed some employers discourage workers from taking their sick time or shared incorrect information.
The recent polling data showed those with lower earnings and workers of color are more concerned about job security and advancement if they utilize one of the paid leave options, despite retaliation protections in the laws. The NJ Family Leave Act, the federal...
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