The Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (HFWA) mandates paid sick leave for employees in Colorado. This legislation ensures that eligible workers accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to a maximum of 48 hours per year (or 96 hours for employers with 16 or more employees, starting in 2024). This accrued time can be used for an employee’s own illness, preventative care, or to care for a family member. For example, an employee working 40 hours a week would accrue approximately 5.33 hours of paid sick leave per month.
Providing paid sick leave offers numerous benefits, fostering a healthier workforce and contributing to broader public health. Employees can address health concerns without the fear of lost wages, leading to earlier intervention and preventing the spread of illness. This protection promotes economic stability for workers and families, reduces financial strain during times of illness, and ultimately benefits businesses through increased productivity and reduced employee turnover. The HFWA, enacted in 2020 and updated in 2022, represents a significant step forward in ensuring the well-being of Colorado’s workforce.
