Sick Leave for New Hampshire Employees: What You Need to Know in 2025

Let me paint a picture of New Hampshire's sick leave landscape that's as granite-solid as the Old Man of the Mountain's memory: 

Ever woken up in Manchester with a cold that makes Mount Washington look foggy, or caught the flu while working in Portsmouth that not even the best maple syrup and apple cider could cure? 

Key Objectives: 

1. Does New Hampshire Require Paid Sick Leave?
2. Federal Protections for Sick Leave 
3. Employer Practices For Sick Leave
4. When Can Sick Leave Be Used? 
5.  Public-Sector Employees
6. COVID-19 and Sick Leave
7.  Key Considerations for Employers
8. FAQs About Sick Leave
9. Common Misconceptions About Sick Leave
10. Why Sick Leave Matters

Whether you're manufacturing high-tech components in the Merrimack Valley, serving tourists in the White Mountains, or coding at a startup in the Upper Valley, understanding New Hampshire's approach to sick leave is as essential as knowing how to navigate mud season. 

Here's what makes New Hampshire's approach distinctive: True to our "Live Free or Die" spirit, the Granite State lets private employers shape their own sick leave policies. Like the varied trails through the Presidential Range, each business charts its own course when it comes to paid time off.  

While the state doesn't mandate paid sick leave for private sector employees, many employers choose to offer it voluntarily - much like how our sugar houses each have their own special way of making maple syrup. 

New Hampshire does not have a state law mandating paid or unpaid sick leave for private-sector employees. However, workers may access sick leave through employer-provided benefits, federal protections like the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), or public-sector policies. Here's an updated guide to sick leave for New Hampshire employees in 2025. 

Does New Hampshire Require Paid Sick Leave? 

No, New Hampshire does not mandate paid or unpaid sick leave for private-sector employees. Employers are free to develop their own policies regarding sick leave. Many employers voluntarily provide sick leave or Paid Time Off (PTO) as part of their benefits packages to attract and retain talent. 

Public-sector employees, including state workers, typically have access to more defined sick leave benefits. 

Federal Protections for Sick Leave 

Employees in New Hampshire may qualify for unpaid, job-protected leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). 

FMLA Overview 

• Eligibility: Employees must work for an employer with at least 50 employees within a 75-mile radius, have worked for at least 12 months, and have logged 1,250 hours in the previous year. 

• Leave Benefits: Provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year. 

FMLA covers leave for: 

• Personal serious health conditions. 

• Caring for a spouse, child, or parent with a serious health condition. 

• The birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child. 

• Certain military caregiving needs. 

Employer Practices for Sick Leave in New Hampshire 

Although not required by law, many New Hampshire employers voluntarily offer sick leave or PTO. Common features of these policies include: 

• Accrual-Based Systems: Employees accrue sick leave based on hours worked, such as 1 hour of leave for every 30 hours worked. 

• PTO Banks: Employers may combine sick leave, vacation, and personal days into one PTO policy. 

• Carryover Policies: Some employers allow unused sick leave to roll over to the following year, often with caps or restrictions. 

Employees should consult their employer’s handbook for details about their specific sick leave policies. 

When Can Sick Leave Be Used? 

The specific uses of sick leave depend on the employer’s policies. Common reasons for taking sick leave include: 

• Personal Illness or Injury: Recovering from illness, injury, or attending medical appointments. 

• Family Care: Caring for a sick family member. 

• Preventive Care: Routine medical checkups, vaccinations, or screenings. 

• Domestic Violence Recovery: Some employers allow sick leave to address needs related to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. 

Covered family members often include: 

• Spouses or domestic partners. 

• Children (biological, adopted, foster, or stepchildren). 

• Parents, grandparents, and siblings. 

Public-Sector Employees in New Hampshire 

Public-sector employees in New Hampshire, such as state workers, typically have access to more structured sick leave benefits: 

• Accrual: Full-time state employees generally accrue 1 day of sick leave per month, or 12 days per year. 

• Carryover: Unused sick leave can accumulate without a cap in many cases. 

• Usage: Sick leave may be used for personal health needs or to care for immediate family members. 

Public-sector employees should refer to their agency’s specific policies or collective bargaining agreements for details. 

COVID-19 and Sick Leave 

While federal COVID-19-specific leave mandates, such as the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), have expired, many employers in New Hampshire allow employees to use accrued sick leave for COVID-19-related reasons, including: 

• Testing, recovery, or treatment. 

• Quarantine or isolation due to exposure. 

• Caring for a family member affected by COVID-19. 

Key Considerations for Employers in New Hampshire 

Employers in New Hampshire are encouraged to establish clear and consistent sick leave policies, even though they are not legally required to do so. Offering sick leave can: 

• Enhance Recruitment and Retention: Comprehensive benefits help employers remain competitive in the labor market. 

• Promote Workplace Health: Sick leave encourages employees to stay home when ill, reducing the spread of illness. 

• Boost Employee Morale: Employees who feel supported are more likely to be engaged and productive. 

Employers should outline their sick leave policies in employee handbooks and ensure compliance with federal laws like FMLA. 

FAQs About Sick Leave in New Hampshire 

Q: Can an employer require a doctor’s note? 

A: Yes, employers in New Hampshire can request documentation, such as a doctor’s note, for extended absences, typically after three consecutive days of sick leave. 

Q: Are part-time or temporary employees eligible for sick leave? 

A: This depends on the employer’s policy. While New Hampshire law does not mandate sick leave, many employers voluntarily offer sick leave to part-time or temporary workers. 

Q: What happens to unused sick leave? 

A: Unused sick leave policies vary. Public-sector employees may accumulate sick leave indefinitely, while private-sector employers may limit carryover or reset balances annually. 

Common Misconceptions About Sick Leave in New Hampshire 

1. “New Hampshire requires all employers to provide paid sick leave.”

False. There is no statewide mandate for paid or unpaid sick leave for private-sector employees in New Hampshire. 

2. “Unused sick leave must be paid out upon termination.”

False. Employers are not required to pay out unused sick leave upon termination unless explicitly stated in their policy. 

3. “Sick leave is only for full-time employees.”

False. Many employers offer sick leave benefits to part-time and temporary employees, though this is not mandated by law. 

Why Sick Leave Matters 

Sick leave provides employees with the opportunity to recover from illness, care for family members, and maintain their health without financial stress. For employers, offering sick leave fosters a positive workplace culture, reduces turnover, and improves employee satisfaction. 

Final Thoughts 

Understanding your sick leave rights in New Hampshire can feel like hiking the Appalachian Trail through our state - you need to know what lies ahead. 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 New Hampshire'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 TCWGlobal's EOR solutions. 

Remember, just as our state motto boldly declares "Live Free or Die," creating supportive time-off policies isn't just good for employees - it's good for business. Like a perfect autumn day in the Kancamagus Highway, when everything works together, the results are spectacular. 

Need specific guidance? Consider consulting with your HR department, reviewing your employee handbook, or speaking with an employment law professional who understands New Hampshire's unique business environment, where Yankee independence meets modern workplace needs. 

In New Hampshire, sick leave policies for private-sector employees are determined by employers, while public-sector employees enjoy more structured benefits. Federal protections like FMLA provide additional support for eligible workers. 

For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Labor or consult the New Hampshire Department of Labor. Employees should check their employer’s handbook or HR department for details on their specific sick leave benefits. 

Need Help?

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