Let me paint a picture of Maryland's sick leave landscape that's as distinctive as our Chesapeake Bay:
Ever woken up in Baltimore with a fever that makes the Inner Harbor look hazy, or caught a cold while working in Annapolis that not even the best crab cake could cure? Well, here's something as welcome as a summer breeze off the Bay: Maryland has robust paid sick leave protections thanks to the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act.
Here's what makes Maryland's approach special: Like our state's rich history, our sick leave law is well-established and comprehensive. Since 2018, employers with 15 or more employees must provide paid sick and safe leave, while smaller employers must provide unpaid leave. Whether you're working in the biotech corridor of Montgomery County, serving tourists in Ocean City, or teaching in Frederick, you're likely covered.
Think of Maryland's sick leave policy like our famous blue crabs - there's a proper way to handle it. Employees earn one hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year. And like the Old Line State's resilience, these protections are dependable and strong.
Maryland provides comprehensive protections for workers through the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act (MHWFA), which ensures access to earned sick leave for many employees in the state. This law requires employers to provide either paid or unpaid sick leave, depending on their size. Here’s a guide to what employees and employers need to know about sick leave in Maryland in 2025.
Yes, Maryland's Healthy Working Families Act mandates that most employers provide earned sick leave to their employees. Whether the leave is paid or unpaid depends on the size of the employer:
Who Is Covered?
Accrual and Usage
Under the MHWFA, earned sick leave can be used for:
Covered family members include:
Employers in Maryland must:
Failure to comply with the MHWFA may result in penalties, including fines and compensation to affected employees.
Maryland’s earned sick leave law complements the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which provides unpaid, job-protected leave for eligible employees.
FMLA Overview
While federal COVID-19-specific leave mandates, such as the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), have expired, Maryland employees may use earned sick leave under the MHWFA for COVID-19-related reasons, including:
Q: Can employers require documentation for sick leave?
A: Employers may request documentation if an employee uses more than two consecutive shifts of sick leave. Documentation must be reasonable and cannot create an undue burden.
Q: Are part-time employees eligible for sick leave?
A: Yes, as long as they work at least 12 hours per week, they are eligible to accrue sick leave.
Q: Can employers frontload sick leave instead of using the accrual method?
A: Yes, employers may provide the full amount of sick leave (40 hours) at the beginning of the year instead of using the accrual method.
False. Part-time and temporary employees are also eligible for earned sick leave, provided they meet the weekly hours requirement.
False. Maryland law does not require employers to pay out unused sick leave upon termination, unless specified in the employer’s policy.
False. Sick leave can also be used for family care, preventive care, public health emergencies, or recovery from domestic violence.
Maryland’s Healthy Working Families Act ensures employees can care for themselves and their families without sacrificing financial stability. For employers, offering earned sick leave fosters a healthier, more productive workforce and demonstrates a commitment to employee well-being.
Understanding your sick leave rights in Maryland can feel like navigating the Beltway during rush hour - it helps to know the rules. Whether you're an employee trying to understand your benefits or an employer looking to create supportive policies, staying informed is crucial.
If you're a business looking to navigate Maryland's employment landscape while expanding your workforce, consider partnering with an Employer of Record (EOR) service. They can help manage your HR compliance, payroll, and benefits administration while you focus on growing your business. Learn more about EOR services and how they can simplify your employment needs at TCW Global's EOR solutions.
Remember, Maryland's paid sick leave law isn't just a mandate - it's a reflection of our state's commitment to worker wellbeing. Like the stars on our state flag, these protections shine bright for all workers.
Need specific guidance? Consider consulting with your HR department, reviewing your employee handbook, or speaking with an employment law professional who understands Maryland's unique business environment.
Need help managing your contingent workforce? Contact TCWGlobal today to learn more.
Whether you need expertise in Employer of Record (EOR) services, Managed Service Provider (MSP) solutions, or Vendor Management Systems (VMS), our team is equipped to support your business needs. We specialize in addressing worker misclassification, offering comprehensive payroll solutions, and managing global payroll intricacies.
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