They’re Not Eating The Pets, They’re Taking Sick Leave to Care for Them!

The mental health and wellness of the workforce has, until recently, been a neglected issue.  However, the pandemic and its remote work concept, and the mental health issues suffered particularly by younger employees, is now front and center in the employment space.  About time.

Now, a radical proposal has been made by two NYC councilmembers – to amend the NYC Earned Safe and Sick Time to allow employees to use sick time to care for a pet.

The bill, Int. 1089, which was introduced last week by City Council members Shaun Abreu and Tiffany Cabán, would amend New York City's Earned Safe and Sick Time Act to give workers time off to care for "an animal kept primarily for companionship" such as a pet.  So, it relates to and includes service animals.  This, indeed, is a radical proposal in the interest of worker menta health and wellness.

Employers: Give us a buzz at Pierson Ferdinand if you need assistance in developing workplace policies anticipating this possible change in the law, or for any employment needs.