Opinion: Paid sick leave benefits business

by Angela Smith, SunCommon Happiness Resources Director

A robust economy depends on a strong and supported workforce. The healthy workplaces bill (H.187) is a positive step toward further stabilizing Vermont’s workforce. This bill advocates a pragmatic and reasonable solution to a clearly identified need.

Currently, nearly 60,000 Vermonters lack access to paid time off of their jobs in the event of their illness, or illness of a family member. The healthy workplaces bill, which is currently being debated in Montpelier, establishes a minimum standard of earned leave for working Vermonters, which can be used to manage their health and the health of their families.

Every parent wants what is best for their children, but without access to earned time off, they are often forced to choose between their family’s financial stability and their children’s health. Too many have no choice but to send a child to school sick or skip medical care entirely, which only exacerbates preventable medical conditions. This proposal will make it easier for workers to be good employees and good parents — and will let children lead healthier lives, be more successful in school and be better prepared for the future.

There are business benefits in this legislation as well. Providing paid sick leave will promote employee loyalty and reduce turnover. Productivity will increase, as it’s no secret that employees who are sick (or worried about a sick child) aren’t as productive.

At SunCommon, we consider paid sick leave a business imperative. Our employees work hard, and share their passions and talents on behalf of our business every day. We provide paid sick time for all our employees — hourly and salary. Supporting and nurturing them — and their families — in this way has led to a joyful, committed and productive team. The bottom line is that providing stability to our employees translates to stability for our business.

I am in full support of the healthy workplaces bill, H.187. I urge Reps Chris Pearson and Kesha Ram and my six senators from Chittenden County to support it as well.

Angela Smith, of Burlington, is the director of happiness resources for SunCommon.