Ever woken up in Salt Lake City with a fever that makes Temple Square look hazy, or caught a cold while working in Park City that not even the Greatest Snow on Earth could cure? Whether you're working in tech along the Silicon Slopes, mining in Price, or serving tourists in Moab, understanding Utah's approach to sick leave is as essential as carrying water in the desert.
Here's what makes Utah's approach clear: Like our wide-open spaces, Utah keeps regulations minimal. The state doesn't require private employers to provide paid sick leave - a policy as straightforward as the Great Salt Lake is salty.
Utah does not have a statewide law requiring private-sector employers to provide paid or unpaid sick leave. However, many employers voluntarily offer sick leave as part of their benefits packages. Additionally, public-sector employees often have structured sick leave benefits, and federal protections like the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) apply to eligible workers.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to sick leave in Utah in 2025.
No. Utah does not have a statewide law requiring private-sector employers to provide sick leave. Employers are not legally required to offer paid or unpaid sick leave unless:
Public-sector employees, such as state government workers, generally receive structured sick leave benefits under Utah’s employment policies.
Utah employees may qualify for unpaid, job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
FMLA Overview
FMLA covers leave for:
For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Labor.
Although not legally required, many Utah employers voluntarily offer sick leave or Paid Time Off (PTO). Common practices include:
Employees should check their employer’s handbook for details on sick leave accrual, usage, and carryover rules.
The specific uses of sick leave depend on an employer’s policies, but common uses include:
Covered family members may include:
Public-sector employees in Utah, such as state workers, typically have access to structured sick leave benefits, including:
State employees should refer to the Utah Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM) or their agency’s HR policies for details.
Federal COVID-19-specific leave mandates, such as those under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), have expired. However, some Utah employers may allow employees to use accrued sick leave for COVID-19-related reasons, including:
Some employers may still offer flexible sick leave policies for COVID-19-related absences.
Even though Utah does not mandate sick leave, employers can benefit from offering it. Providing sick leave can:
Employers should document sick leave policies in their employee handbooks and ensure compliance with federal FMLA requirements.
Q: Can an employer require a doctor’s note?
A: Yes. Utah employers 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: It depends on the employer’s policy. Utah law does not require sick leave for part-time or temporary workers, but many employers voluntarily offer it.
Q: What happens to unused sick leave?
A: Employers are not required to allow sick leave to carry over unless their policy specifies otherwise. Public-sector employees can accumulate sick leave indefinitely.
False. Utah does not have a statewide sick leave mandate for private-sector employees.
False. Employers are not required to pay out unused sick leave unless their company policy states otherwise.
False. If an employer offers sick leave, they must follow their own policy and cannot discriminate against employees who use it.
Sick leave is an important benefit that allows employees to recover from illness and care for family members without financial stress. For employers, providing sick leave helps reduce turnover, improve morale, and foster a healthier workplace.
Understanding your sick leave rights in Utah can feel like hiking the Narrows - it helps to know the terrain. 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 Utah'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 Utah may not mandate paid sick leave, creating supportive time-off policies isn't just good for employees - it's good for business. Like our state motto "Industry," a healthy workforce drives prosperity.
Need specific guidance? Consider consulting with your HR department, reviewing your employee handbook, or speaking with an employment law professional who understands Utah's unique business environment.
While Utah does not mandate statewide sick leave, many employers offer voluntary sick leave policies. Public-sector employees receive structured sick leave benefits, and federal protections like FMLA provide additional support for eligible workers.
For more information, visit: