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?
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.
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.
Employees in New Hampshire may qualify for unpaid, job-protected leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
FMLA Overview
FMLA covers leave for:
Although not required by law, many New Hampshire employers voluntarily offer sick leave or PTO. Common features of these policies include:
Employees should consult their employer’s handbook for details about their specific sick leave policies.
The specific uses of sick leave depend on the employer’s policies. Common reasons for taking sick leave include:
Covered family members often include:
Public-sector employees in New Hampshire, such as state workers, typically have access to more structured sick leave benefits:
Public-sector employees should refer to their agency’s specific policies or collective bargaining agreements for details.
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:
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:
Employers should outline their sick leave policies in employee handbooks and ensure compliance with federal laws like FMLA.
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.
False. There is no statewide mandate for paid or unpaid sick leave for private-sector employees in New Hampshire.
False. Employers are not required to pay out unused sick leave upon termination unless explicitly stated in their policy.
False. Many employers offer sick leave benefits to part-time and temporary employees, though this is not mandated by law.
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.
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.
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