Sick Leave for Missouri Employees: What You Need to Know in 2025
Post by TCWGlobal | Updated April 23, 2025
Let me paint a picture of Missouri's sick leave landscape that's as diverse as the Ozarks to the Gateway Arch:
Ever woken up in St. Louis with a cold that makes the Gateway Arch look crooked, or caught the flu while working in Kansas City that not even the best burnt ends and BBQ sauce could cure?
Well, starting May 1, 2025, Missouri workers will have more than just chicken soup to rely on—Paid Sick Leave (PSL) is officially here!
Key Objectives:
- What's New: Missouri Mandates Paid Sick Leave
- Does Missouri Require Paid Sick Leave?
- Federal Protections for Sick Leave
- Employer Practices For Sick Leave
- When Can Sick Leave Be Used?
- Public-Sector Employees in Missouri
- COVID-19 and Sick Leave
- Key Considerations for Employers
- FAQs About Sick Leave in Missouri
- Common Misconceptions About Sick Leave in Missouri
- Why Sick Leave Matters
What’s New: Missouri Mandates Paid Sick Leave
For the first time, Missouri joins 19 other states (plus D.C.) in providing Paid Sick Leave (PSL) protections for workers. This is a game-changer for employees across industries—from brewing beer in St. Louis to coding in Kansas City.
Key Highlights of Missouri’s New PSL Law:
- Effective Date: May 1, 2025
- Accrual Rate: 1 hour of PSL for every 30 hours worked
- Annual Usage Cap: Up to 56 hours per year
- Rollover: Up to 80 hours can carry over year to year
- Permitted Uses:
- Personal or family illness (mental or physical)
- Medical treatment, including preventive care
- Closure of workplace or child’s school due to public health emergencies
- Absences due to domestic violence (DV), sexual assault (SA), or stalking
If a company already has a paid time off policy that covers sick leave, there's no need to create a new one—but it should be clear that sick time is included in that PTO bank.
And for our TCWGlobal clients—no need to stress! We're all set to start PSL accrual for Missouri workers on May 1, just like the law requires. If you have any questions, your TCWGlobal Account Manager is always happy to help, or you can email us at hello@tcwglobal.com.
Does Missouri Require Paid Sick Leave Now?
Yes—starting May 1, 2025, Missouri mandates paid sick leave for most workers. This marks a shift from the previous approach where sick leave was largely at an employer’s discretion.
Private-sector employees will now accrue PSL by law, while public-sector employees continue with their structured benefits.
Federal Protections Still Apply
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) remains in effect, offering unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying employees. Missouri's new PSL complements these protections by ensuring paid time off for shorter-term health and safety needs.
Employer Practices: What Changes?
If you're an employer in Missouri, it’s time to align your policies:
- Ensure accrual systems match the 1 hour per 30 hours worked rule.
- Update employee handbooks to reflect:
- The 56-hour annual usage cap
- 80-hour rollover allowance
- Expanded reasons for PSL use (including DV, SA, stalking)
- Communicate clearly with part-time and temporary workers—they’re covered too!
Already offering a generous PTO policy? Great! Just make sure it meets or exceeds the state’s minimum PSL requirements.
When Can Sick Leave Be Used?
With Missouri's PSL law, employees now have state-backed rights to use sick leave for:
- Personal illness or injury
- Caring for a sick family member
- Preventive healthcare
- Public health emergencies
- Recovery or safety related to DV, SA, or stalking
This offers far more flexibility and protection than before.
Public-Sector Employees: Staying the Course
Missouri’s state employees already enjoy structured sick leave benefits, including:
- 10 hours accrued per month
- Unlimited carryover
- Potential conversion to retirement credits
The new PSL law primarily impacts private-sector workers, but public-sector policies remain robust.
COVID-19 and Sick Leave
While federal COVID-specific mandates like FFCRA have expired, Missouri's PSL can now be used for:
- COVID-19 testing and treatment
- Quarantine or isolation
- Caring for affected family members
Key Considerations for Employers
Missouri employers should:
- Audit existing policies
- Train HR teams on compliance
- Use platforms like Staffing Nation and TCWGlobal’s Compliance Hub for seamless updates
Offering clear, compliant sick leave policies isn’t just about following the law—it’s about fostering a healthy, engaged workforce.
FAQs About Missouri’s New Paid Sick Leave
Q: Does the new PSL law apply to part-time employees?
A: Yes, PSL accrues for all eligible employees, including part-time workers.
Q: Can unused PSL be cashed out?
A: No, Missouri law doesn’t require payout of unused PSL, but up to 80 hours can roll over annually.
Q: Can employers still require a doctor’s note?
A: Yes, reasonable documentation can be requested, typically after three consecutive days of absence.
Common Misconceptions—Cleared Up!
- “Only full-time workers get PSL now.”
False! The law covers part-time workers too. - “PSL doesn’t cover mental health days.”
False! PSL can be used for both physical and mental health needs. - “All sick leave resets at year-end.”
Nope! Missouri allows up to 80 hours of unused PSL to roll over.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
Paid Sick Leave isn't just a benefit—it's a cornerstone of workplace wellness. With this new law, Missouri is investing in healthier employees, better morale, and stronger businesses.
Whether you're managing a team or clocking in for your shift, knowing your rights (and responsibilities) is key.
Final Thoughts
Navigating Missouri’s new PSL law doesn’t have to feel like you're lost in the Ozarks without a map. With clear guidelines and support from tools like TCWGlobal’s Compliance Hub, staying compliant and protecting your workforce is easier than ever.
Thinking about expanding your team in Missouri? Partner with an Employer of Record (EOR) like TCWGlobal to handle compliance, payroll, and benefits—so you can focus on business growth without the legal headaches.
As Missouri shows us with this new law, “Let the Welfare of the People Be the Supreme Law.” Here's to healthier teams and smarter business practices—because just like a good BBQ, when everything works together, the results are unbeatable.
Need Help?
Your TCWGlobal Compliance team is ready to assist with all things Paid Sick Leave. Reach out today or visit our Compliance Hub for resources!
