Knowledge of Paid Leave Policies: Results from a Survey of District of Columbia Department of Health Workers, 2014

BACKGROUND:  Workers with paid leave are more likely to visit a physician than workers without paid leave. District of Columbia Department of Health (DCDOH) workers can use their paid leave when seeking medical care or fulfilling family responsibilities, but the extent to which workers understand sick and funeral leave policies is unclear. We assessed leave policy knowledge among DCDOH workers. 

METHODS:  We analyzed data from a voluntary and anonymous electronic survey administered to DCDOH workers June 10-July 3, 2014. We used chi-square tests to calculate associations between worker characteristics (age, sex, race/ethnicity, income, union membership, job category, and number of years worked at DCDOH) and knowledge of sick and funeral leave policies. 

RESULTS:  A total of 70.4% (356/506) of government employees responded. Overall, 86.7% of workers knew that sick leave could be used for a screening test (e.g., colonoscopy); this knowledge increased with age (P <.01) and number of years worked (P <.01). Nearly 89% of workers knew that sick leave could be used for a check-up or physical examination; this knowledge also increased with age (P <.05) and number of years worked (P <.001). Approximately three-quarters (73.1%) knew that sick leave could be used to care for a family member with a serious health condition; knowledge did not vary by worker characteristics. Half (54.2%) of workers correctly understood the funeral leave policy, but a quarter either misunderstood (23.4%) or did not know (22.5%) what the policy stated; overall funeral leave policy knowledge was higher among female workers (P <.01).

CONCLUSIONS:   Knowledge of leave policies varies across the workforce. DCDOH will use these results to improve communication of leave policies, particularly for younger, less-experienced workers.