A growing body of evidence shows that a minimum standard for paid sick days would not only improve people’s health – it would also save the nation’s bottom line.
According to a recent report published by the National Institutes of Health:
the absence of certain workplace policies, such as paid sick leave, confers a population-attributable risk of 5 million additional cases of ILI in the general population and 1.2 million cases among Hispanics. Federal mandates for sick leave could have significant health impacts by reducing morbidity from ILI, especially in Hispanics.
What’s more, access to paid sick days could save up to $1 billion in medical costs every year, according to a report from the Institute for Women’s Policy Research(IWPR):
This includes $500 million in taxpayer-funded public health care programs for children, elders, and low-income Americans. Currently, more than 44 million American workers do not have access to paid sick days, and more are unable to use time off to take care of sick children or other family members.
More To Read
April 17, 2024
2023-24 Impact and Gratitude Report
Reflecting on a year of progress and transition at EOI
April 12, 2024
Welcoming our New Executive Director, Rian Watt!
EOI is excited to begin its next chapter under new leadership
April 4, 2024
Is There a Valid Argument Against Cost-Free College in Washington?
Cost-free college is a meaningful investment that would change lives. What's stopping Washington from making it happen?