Sick Leave for Ohio Employees: What You Need to Know in 2025
Life can throw curveballs—whether it’s catching the flu in Cincinnati, dealing with a persistent migraine in Columbus, or caring for a sick child in Cleveland. If you’re an Ohio worker, you might be wondering about your sick leave rights and what protections are in place when illness strikes. Ohio’s approach to sick leave is different from other states, so it’s important to know your options and what you’re entitled to under both state and federal laws.
Key Objectives:
Is Paid Sick Leave Mandatory in Ohio?
As of 2025, Ohio does not require private employers to provide paid sick leave. Unlike states such as California and New York, where paid sick leave is mandated, Ohio takes a more hands-off approach. However, many Ohio employers still offer paid sick leave as part of their employee benefits package.
On the other hand, public-sector employees (those working for state or local governments) generally enjoy more robust sick leave benefits, such as accumulating 4.6 hours of sick leave for every 80 hours worked.
Federal Protections for Sick Leave in Ohio
While Ohio doesn’t mandate paid sick leave, there are federal protections under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) for eligible employees. FMLA allows workers to take unpaid, job-protected leave for certain health and family reasons. This includes:
- Personal health conditions (serious illness)
- Caring for a family member with a serious health condition
- Birth or adoption of a child
To be eligible for FMLA, you must work for an employer with 50 or more employees within a 75-mile radius and have worked at least 12 months and 1,250 hours in the past year.
Local Sick Leave Laws in Ohio
Some cities in Ohio, including Cleveland, have local ordinances that offer additional sick leave protections for workers. For example, in Cleveland, employees working on city-funded contracts may be entitled to paid sick leave benefits, depending on the contract’s terms.
Sick Leave for Ohio’s Public-Sector Employees
Public-sector employees (those working for the state or local governments) have more extensive sick leave policies compared to their private-sector counterparts:
- State employees: Accrue 4.6 hours of paid sick leave for every 80 hours worked.
- Unused sick leave: Many public-sector employers allow sick leave to roll over to the next year, though caps may apply.
- Eligible uses: Sick leave can be used for personal illness, medical appointments, or caring for family members.
Employer Sick Leave Policies in Ohio
Even though Ohio doesn’t mandate paid sick leave for private employees, many employers voluntarily provide sick leave to remain competitive and attract top talent. Common practices include:
- Paid Time Off (PTO): Combining vacation, sick leave, and personal days into a single pool of time.
- Accrual policies: Some employers allow sick leave to accrue based on hours worked, such as 1 hour for every 30 hours worked.
Employees should always check their employee handbook to understand their employer’s specific sick leave policies, including accrual, usage, and carryover guidelines.
Can Sick Leave Be Used for COVID-19-Related Absences?
While the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) has expired, employees can still use existing accrued sick leave for COVID-19 testing, quarantine, or recovery if allowed by their employer.
When Can Sick Leave Be Used in Ohio?
Sick leave policies vary by employer, but in Ohio, sick leave can typically be used for:
- Personal illness or injury
- Medical appointments or preventive care
- Caring for a sick family member
- Recovery from domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking (depending on the employer’s policy)
Covered family members typically include children (biological, adopted, foster, or stepchildren), spouses, domestic partners, and parents.
Recent Updates to Sick Leave Laws in Ohio (2025)
There have been no new state-level mandates for sick leave in Ohio in 2025. However, employers are encouraged to review their sick leave policies to ensure compliance with federal laws like FMLA and any local ordinances (such as those in Cleveland). Additionally, it's important for employers to align their policies with industry best practices.
Common Misconceptions About Sick Leave in Ohio
1. “All employers must offer paid sick leave.”- False: Ohio does not require private employers to provide paid sick leave, but many do so voluntarily.
- False: Many employers allow sick leave to roll over into the next year, though some impose caps on usage.
- False: Many employers’ sick leave policies include mental health-related illnesses, depending on the terms of the policy.
FAQs About Sick Leave in Ohio
- Q: Can employers require a doctor’s note for sick leave?
- A: Yes, employers in Ohio can require a doctor’s note for extended absences (typically after three consecutive days of sick leave).
- Q: Are there protections against retaliation for taking sick leave?
- A: Employers cannot retaliate against employees who use sick leave protected by federal laws, such as FMLA. Some employer-specific sick leave policies may also include anti-retaliation provisions.
- Q: What if my employer doesn’t offer sick leave?
- A: If your employer doesn’t provide sick leave and you don’t qualify for FMLA or other protections, you may have to use PTO (Paid Time Off) or take unpaid leave.
Why Sick Leave Matters in Ohio
Sick leave isn’t just important for employees; it’s also crucial for maintaining a healthy and productive workforce. For employees, it offers the flexibility to recover from illness or care for loved ones. For employers, offering sick leave can improve employee morale, reduce turnover, and enhance overall workplace satisfaction.
Final Thoughts
Although Ohio does not require paid sick leave at the state level, there are federal protections like FMLA, and public-sector employees enjoy more generous benefits. Many private employers voluntarily offer sick leave as part of their benefits package, which helps ensure a healthy, resilient workforce. Always review your employer’s policies or consult the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services if you have any further questions about sick leave rights in Ohio.
For more information on sick leave in Ohio, consult your employee handbook or reach out to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services to ensure you're fully informed about your sick leave rights.
Next Steps
Understanding your sick leave rights in Iowa can feel as challenging as predicting the weather during planting season. 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 Iowa'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, while Iowa may not mandate paid sick leave, creating supportive time-off policies isn't just good for employees - it's good for business. Like our rich soil, a workforce that's given time to rest and recover will always be more productive.
Need specific guidance? Consider consulting with your HR department, reviewing your employee handbook, or speaking with an employment law professional who understands Iowa's unique business environment.
