Paid Sick Leave for Federal Contractors and Subcontractors

A Paid Sick Leave for Federal Contractors and Subcontractors policy explains how eligible employees working on or in connection with covered federal contracts accrue and use paid sick leave under Executive Order 13706, including permitted reasons for leave, notice and documentation rules, carryover and reinstatement, pay requirements, and anti-retaliation protections.

How to Write a Paid Sick Leave for Federal Contractors and Subcontractors Policy

• Start with "why" and introduce the concept.
• Define who is covered and clarify how this leave interacts with any other sick leave or PTO your organization offers.
• Explain how paid sick leave is earned, including the accrual method and any cap on the balance.
• List the permitted reasons for using paid sick leave, including personal health needs, family care, and certain safety-related needs.
• Describe how employees request leave and when documentation may be required, including confidentiality expectations.
• Explain how leave is used and paid, including the rate of pay and how leave hours are treated for overtime calculations.
• Address carryover, annual usage limits, payout at separation, and reinstatement of unused leave after rehire.
• State how employees will be informed of their available balance.
• Include a non-retaliation commitment and confirm employees will not be required to find a replacement.
• Provide a clear point of contact for questions and leave requests.

For advice on writing a Paid Sick Leave for Federal Contractors and Subcontractors policy in a specific jurisdiction, see below.