71% of New Jersey Workers Have Access to Paid Leave, Yet Only Half Can Identify Laws by Name

A recent two-year study by the New Jersey Department of Labor reveals gaps in awareness and utilization of the state’s paid leave programs, even as participation shows notable increases.

A comprehensive two-year study by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) has found that while 71% of New Jersey workers report having access to paid leave, only half can identify the specific laws—Earned Sick Leave and Family Leave Insurance—by name.

Conducted in partnership with the John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development and other organizations, the study sought to gauge both awareness and actual use of New Jersey's paid leave laws. Approximately 50% of the respondents said they had access to paid leave to care for family members.

Employers of all sizes are required by law to provide paid sick leave to nearly all employees, be they full-time, part-time, or temporary. Furthermore, employers must inform employees about these paid leave benefits and protections.

Both the Earned Sick Leave Law and Family Leave Insurance cover time off needed for self-care as well as for caring for loved ones. However, a related study disclosed that some employers discourage workers from taking leave or share incorrect information.

Disparities and Concerns

The survey also revealed disparities, showing that workers with lower earnings and workers of color expressed more concerns about job security and career advancement if they took advantage of paid leave options. These concerns exist despite laws providing retaliation protections and job security.

“This research underscores the progress we’ve made to raise awareness and use of New Jersey’s paid leave programs, which are among the most generous in the country, and helps us map the important work still ahead," said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo.

NJDOL data indicates a more than 50% increase in Family Leave applications and payouts since 2017, particularly among fathers and non-birth parents. The percentage of males taking leave to bond with a new child has doubled from 14% to 28% since 2016.

Outreach Efforts

The NJDOL has undertaken significant outreach and education initiatives to increase awareness. Their most prominent initiative to date is the Cultivating Access, Rights, and Equity (CARE) grant, which has awarded $2.6 million to 45 organizations. These efforts have reached nearly 27,000 workers and resulted in tens of thousands of dollars in benefits for claimants.

The study serves as an essential benchmark for understanding the extent to which New Jersey workers are aware of and able to access their paid leave benefits. With rising utilization but gaps in awareness still evident, NJDOL’s ongoing outreach and educational efforts aim to bridge these divides.