There is no federal law requiring employers to provide employees paid sick leave—a short-term salary-continuation program for employees absent because of a non-job-related illness or injury—but most employers do provide it as an important employee benefit. Additionally, a growing number of states are considering and adopting state sick leave laws.

When adopting a sick leave policy, employers must be sure that it fully complies with federal or state family and medical leave laws, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and any other applicable laws.