The impact of state paid sick leave policies on weekday workplace mobility during the COVID-19 pandemic. (February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pollack, C.C.; Deverakonda, A.; Hassan, F.; Haque, S.; Desai, A.N.; Majumder, M.S.
• Is Part Of: Public health. Volume 215(2023)
• Page Start: 118
• Page End: 123
• Publication Date: 2023-02
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- Paid sick leave -- Physical distancing -- Workplace mobility -- Health policy; Public health -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 362.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2022.08.019
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0033-3506

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate whether the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) modified the association between pre-existing state paid sick leave (PSL) and weekday workplace mobility between February 15 and July 7, 2020. Study design: This was a longitudinal, observational study. Methods: The 50 US states and Washington, D.C., were divided into exposure groups based on the presence or absence of pre-existing state PSL policies. Derived from Google COVID-19 Community Mobility Reports, the outcome was measured as the daily percent change in weekday workplace mobility. Mixed-effects, interrupted time series regression was performed to evaluate weekday workplace mobility after the implementation of the FFCRA on April 1, 2020. Results: States with pre-existing PSL policies exhibited a greater drop in mobility following the passage of the FFCRA (β = −8.86, 95% confidence interval: −11.6, −6.10, P < 001). This remained significant after adjusting for state-level health, economic, and sociodemographic indicators (β = −3.13, 95% confidence interval: −5.92, −0.34; P = .039). Conclusions: Pre-existing PSL policies were associated with a significant decline in weekday workplace mobility after the FFCRA, which may have influenced local health outcomes. The presence of pre-existing state policies may differentially influence the impact of federal legislation enacted during emergencies.