Let me paint a picture of Michigan's sick leave landscape that's as dynamic as the Great Lakes themselves:
Ever woken up in Detroit with a cold that makes the Renaissance Center look hazy, or caught the flu while working in Grand Rapids that not even the best cherry pie from Traverse City could cure? Whether you're manufacturing automobiles in Dearborn, brewing craft beer in Kalamazoo, or developing software in Ann Arbor's tech corridor, understanding Michigan's approach to sick leave is as essential as knowing how to point to your hometown on your hand.
Here's what makes Michigan's approach special: The Paid Medical Leave Act requires employers with 50 or more employees to provide paid sick leave. Like the steady flow of the Straits of Mackinac, eligible employees earn one hour of paid sick leave for every 35 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year. Just as the Mighty Mac connects our peninsulas, this law connects workers to the time they need to care for themselves and their families.
Michigan protects workers through the Paid Medical Leave Act (PMLA), which ensures access to paid sick leave for many employees in the state. The law, which went into effect on March 29, 2019, applies to businesses with 50 or more employees. This guide outlines what Michigan employees and employers need to know about sick leave in 2025.
Yes, under the Paid Medical Leave Act (PMLA), Michigan requires covered employers to provide eligible employees with paid medical leave. The law sets minimum standards for accrual, usage, and employer obligations.
Employees may use accrued paid medical leave for:
Covered family members include:
Employers must:
Failure to comply with the PMLA can result in penalties, including fines.
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides additional protections for unpaid, job-protected leave. Eligible employees may use FMLA leave for qualifying reasons, which include:
While the PMLA provides paid leave, FMLA ensures job protection for up to 12 weeks per year for eligible employees.
Although federal COVID-19-specific leave mandates, such as the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), have expired, Michigan employees may use their accrued paid medical leave under the PMLA for COVID-19-related reasons, such as:
Q: Can employers require documentation for sick leave?
A: Yes, employers may request reasonable documentation, such as a doctor’s note, if an employee is absent for three or more consecutive days.
Q: Can unused paid medical leave carry over to the next year?
A: Yes, unused leave can carry over, but employers are only required to allow employees to use up to 40 hours in a single year.
Q: Are part-time employees eligible for paid medical leave?
A: Yes, part-time employees are eligible if they work at least 25 hours per week on average and meet other eligibility requirements.
False. Only employers with 50 or more employees are required to provide paid medical leave under the PMLA.
False. The PMLA does not require employers to pay out unused leave unless specified in their policies.
False. Paid medical leave can also be used for family care, public health emergencies, and recovery from domestic violence or sexual assault.
Michigan’s Paid Medical Leave Act ensures that employees can take care of their health and family needs without sacrificing income. For employers, providing paid leave fosters a healthier workforce, reduces turnover, and improves employee satisfaction.
Understanding your sick leave rights in Michigan can feel like navigating the Sleeping Bear Dunes - challenging but worth the effort. 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 Michigan'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, just as our state motto declares, "Si Quaeris Peninsulam Amoenam Circumspice" (If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you), creating supportive time-off policies isn't just good for employees - it's good for business. Like a Perfect Coney Island hot dog, the right combination of ingredients makes everything work better.
Need specific guidance? Consider consulting with your HR department, reviewing your employee handbook, or speaking with an employment law professional who understands Michigan's unique business environment, where Midwestern values meet modern workplace needs.
Michigan’s Paid Medical Leave Act provides critical protections for many workers across the state. However, it’s important for employees and employers to understand the law’s scope and limitations. Public-sector workers and those employed by smaller businesses may need to rely on employer-specific policies or federal protections like FMLA.
For more information, visit the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs or consult your employer’s handbook. Public employees should contact their HR department for details about specific sick leave policies.
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