Supporting Employee Wellness During the New YearIn response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, states have passed new laws and issued new regulations and guidance about employee leave taken for COVID-19 reasons. These provisions are in addition to the federal Emergency Paid Sick Leave and Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion requirements passed on March 18 as part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).
In general, employee leave permitted under new state COVID-19 rules and guidance varies with respect to factors like the employers and employees covered by the leave, the length and purpose of the leave, whether the leave is compensated and at what rate, and whether the leave is provided under a new law or rule, or covered under an existing provision.
Action Steps
Employers should monitor the websites of their state departments of labor for new laws, rules and guidance about COVID-19-related employee leave.
Recommendations
Employers should stay alert to the following actions on the state level:
- New employee leave laws and regulations
- Changes to existing laws and rules on employee leave
- Guidance on the application of existing rules and laws on COVID-19 circumstances
If you have questions, or would like to know the updates for your state, contact our Benefit Advisory Services team.
