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The Effects of State Paid Sick Leave Mandates on Parental Childcare Time

Author

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  • Maclean, J. Catherine

    (Temple University)

  • Pabilonia, Sabrina Wulff

    (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Abstract

Unlike most developed countries, the U.S. lacks a federal paid sick leave policy. As a result, many workers must choose between losing earnings and attending to childcare responsibilities. To date, 17 states and the District of Columbia have adopted or announced paid sick leave mandates that provide up to seven days of paid leave per year that can be used for family responsibilities and healthcare. In this study, we estimate the effects of state paid sick leave mandates on parents’ time spent providing childcare using time diaries from the 2004–2023 American Time Use Survey. Findings from difference-in-differences estimators suggest that post-mandate, parental time spent providing childcare increases by 5.8%. Effects are stronger among women with younger children. Overall, our findings suggest that paid sick leave mandates allow parents to better balance work and family responsibilities.

Suggested Citation

  • Maclean, J. Catherine & Pabilonia, Sabrina Wulff, 2025. "The Effects of State Paid Sick Leave Mandates on Parental Childcare Time," IZA Discussion Papers 17786, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp17786
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    childcare; mandated benefits; paid sick leave; time use;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • J28 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Safety; Job Satisfaction; Related Public Policy
    • J32 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Nonwage Labor Costs and Benefits; Retirement Plans; Private Pensions

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