Valuing Good Health in San Francisco: The Costs and Benefits of a Proposed Paid Sick Days Policy

Policy makers across the country are increasingly concerned about the adequacy of paid sick
days policies. Time off with pay for workers who are sick or have other health problems could
have significant benefits in terms of workers’ health outcomes, while keeping them from being
fired when illness forces them to stay home from work. It would also allow them to take care of
their families when needed and get preventive health care and reduce the spread of disease at
work. And it offers substantial savings to employers by reducing turnover and minimizing
absenteeism.