Starting February 21, 2025, Michigan’s sick leave laws are set to change in a big way, bringing both opportunities and challenges for employees and employers. These updates, rooted in the reinstated Earned Sick Time Act, ensure that workers across the state have access to fair paid sick leave policies. Here’s what you need to know about the new law and how it might impact you.
What’s Changing?
Under the new law:
Accrual Rate: Employees will earn one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked.
Caps on Accrual:
Businesses with 10 or more employees: Workers can earn up to 72 hours of paid sick leave per year.
Businesses with fewer than 10 employees: Workers can earn up to 40 hours of paid sick leave per year.
How This Affects Employees
This is great news for employees across Ann Arbor and Michigan. It offers much-needed flexibility for workers to take care of themselves and their families without fear of losing income. For full-time employees, this could mean a significant improvement in work-life balance and overall health security.
How This Affects Employers
Employers, especially small businesses, may face challenges adapting to these changes. Adjustments to payroll systems, employee handbooks, and overall budgets will be necessary to stay compliant. While this could mean increased operational costs, employers who implement these changes effectively may benefit from a healthier and more engaged workforce in the long run.
The Law’s Journey
The Earned Sick Time Act was originally passed in 2018 after a petition initiative but was quickly amended by the Legislature to limit its provisions. In July 2023, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled that the amendments were invalid, paving the way for the law’s full implementation in 2025.
We Want to Hear From You!
How do you feel about the upcoming changes to Michigan’s sick leave laws? Are you an Ann Arbor employee excited about these new protections? Or are you an employer working to prepare your business for the changes?
We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your perspective with us, and let’s continue the conversation about how these updates will shape our community.
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