Some argue that the pandemic shows we need a new government entitlement to paid leave. But research shows that paid leave entitlements have failed to meaningfully slow disease transmission.
Paid leave entitlements also take money out of workers’ paychecks.
They also mean fewer jobs, particularly for people with fewer skills and just starting out.
There are better ways to make sure people have paid leave.
The number of employers voluntarily offering paid leave is increasing.
Policies like Earned Leave could support paid leave without increasing taxes.
We can also modernize tax-preferred savings accounts and permit workers to accrue paid leave in lieu of overtime pay.
We can allow new parents and people in need of support to front-load future tax credits.
We all want workers to be able to stay home when they need to.
We can make this possible without sacrificing opportunity and true workplace flexibility.