Sick Leave for Arizona Employees: What You Need to Know in 2025
Ever woken up feeling as parched as the Sonoran Desert, fighting off seasonal allergies in Phoenix, or nursing a migraine in Tucson's summer heat? Here's some good news that might feel like a cool drink of water: Arizona is actually one of the more worker-friendly states when it comes to sick leave, thanks to the Fair Wages and Healthy Families Act that passed by voter initiative back in 2016.
Key Objectives:
Think of Arizona's paid sick time law like our famous saguaro cactus - sturdy, protective, and covering a lot of ground. Whether you're serving guests at a Scottsdale resort, working construction in Mesa's summer heat, or teaching in a Flagstaff classroom, you're likely covered. The law requires nearly all employers, from food trucks to Fortune 500 companies, to provide paid sick time.
Here's what makes Arizona's approach special: Just as our state balances desert heat with mountain cool, our sick leave law balances worker needs with business realities. Employees earn one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked. Small businesses (those with fewer than 15 employees) must allow workers to earn up to 24 hours per year, while larger employers must provide up to 40 hours. And like our desert plants that adapt to survive, these hours carry over from year to year.
What's particularly refreshing (like a monsoon storm in July) is how flexible these protections are. You can use this time not just for your own illness, but also to care for family members, deal with public health emergencies, or handle domestic violence situations. It's as versatile as a desert plant after rainfall.
Overview of Arizona's Paid Sick Leave Law
Under the Fair Wages and Healthy Families Act, most Arizona employees are entitled to paid sick leave. This law applies to full-time, part-time, and temporary employees, ensuring broad coverage.
Key Highlights:
- Paid sick leave accrual begins on the first day of employment.
- Employees can start using accrued sick leave after 90 calendar days of employment.
- Employers cannot retaliate against employees for using their sick leave.
How Does Paid Sick Leave Work in Arizona?
Accrual of Paid Sick Leave
Employees accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. The total amount of sick leave an employee can earn depends on the size of the employer:
- Employers with 15 or more employees: Employees can accrue up to 40 hours (5 days) of paid sick leave annually.
- Employers with fewer than 15 employees: Employees can accrue up to 24 hours (3 days) of paid sick leave annually.
Employers may choose to provide the full amount of sick leave at the start of the year instead of having employees accrue it over time.
When Can Employees Use Sick Leave?
Employees in Arizona can use accrued sick leave for the following purposes:
- Personal Illness or Injury: To address their own physical or mental health conditions, including medical appointments.
- Care for Family Members: To care for a family member who is ill, injured, or attending a medical appointment.
- Public Health Emergencies: When a workplace, school, or childcare facility closes due to a public health emergency.
- Domestic Violence or Abuse: To obtain medical care, counseling, relocation, or legal services related to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
Covered family members include:
- Spouses, domestic partners, and children.
- Parents, grandparents, and siblings.
- Any individual whose close association is the equivalent of a family relationship.
Employer Obligations in Arizona
Employers in Arizona must:
- Provide Notice: Inform employees about their rights under the law by posting notices in the workplace and including details in the employee handbook.
- Track Accrual and Usage: Keep accurate records of accrued and used sick leave for at least four years.
- Pay Sick Leave at Regular Rates: Paid sick leave must be compensated at the employee’s regular hourly wage.
Employers who fail to comply with Arizona's sick leave laws may face penalties, including fines and restitution.
Carryover and Payout of Sick Leave
Carryover Rules
Unused sick leave can carry over to the following year, but employers are not required to allow employees to use more than the annual accrual cap (40 or 24 hours, depending on company size).
Payout at Termination
Employers are not required to pay out unused sick leave upon termination unless the employer’s policy explicitly states otherwise.
Can Sick Leave Be Used for COVID-19?
Yes. Employees in Arizona can use accrued sick leave for COVID-19-related reasons, including:
- Testing or recovery.
- Caring for a sick family member.
- Quarantine or isolation due to exposure.
Public-Sector Employees and Additional Protections
Public-sector employees in Arizona are also covered under this law. Additionally, employees governed by collective bargaining agreements may have sick leave benefits beyond what the law requires.
FAQs About Paid Sick Leave in Arizona
Q: Can an employer require documentation for sick leave?
A: Employers can request documentation if an employee takes more than three consecutive days of sick leave. However, the documentation requirement must not create an unreasonable burden.
Q: Are part-time and temporary employees eligible for paid sick leave?
A: Yes, part-time and temporary employees are covered under Arizona's paid sick leave law and accrue leave based on hours worked.
Q: What happens if an employer doesn’t comply with the law?
A: Employees can file a complaint with the Industrial Commission of Arizona, which enforces compliance with the Fair Wages and Healthy Families Act.
Common Misconceptions About Sick Leave in Arizona
- “Only full-time employees qualify for sick leave.”
False. Arizona law covers full-time, part-time, and temporary employees.
- “Sick leave doesn’t cover mental health.”
False. Sick leave can be used for mental health-related issues, including counseling and therapy.
- “Unused sick leave is lost at the end of the year.”
Not entirely. Unused sick leave carries over to the next year, but annual usage may be capped at 40 or 24 hours.
Why Paid Sick Leave Matters
Paid sick leave is more than just a benefit—it’s a safeguard for employees and public health. It allows workers to care for themselves and their loved ones without sacrificing income. For employers, offering sick leave reduces turnover, boosts morale, and promotes a healthier workforce.
Final Thoughts
Arizona’s paid sick leave law ensures that employees can prioritize their health without fear of losing income or facing retaliation. Both employees and employers should stay informed about their rights and responsibilities under the law.
If you have questions about your sick leave rights, visit the Industrial Commission of Arizona for more information.
