WASHINGTON, D.C. – February 26, 2025 – The National Partnership for Women & Families (NPWF) released a new report on the positive impact that comprehensive paid family and medical leave laws have on workers with chronic medical conditions.

“The Impact of Paid Leave on the Health of Massachusetts” is an analysis of workers with either of two chronic conditions: depression or coronary heart disease, and whether their self-reported health was impacted after paid family and medical leave was implemented in Massachusetts. The report reveals that paid leave led to fewer “poor health days” (days when someone’s health feels significantly diminished, impacting their work performance and other usual daily activities) for those living with those conditions.

• For workers with depression, having paid leave led to one fewer poor health day per month, amounting to up to $1.2 billion in productivity gains annually from reduced absenteeism and presenteeism.
• For workers with coronary heart disease, access to paid leave led to approximately 2.5 fewer poor health days per month, leading to up to $330 million in productivity gains each year.
• On average, employers paid $258 per year per employee for Massachusetts paid leave coverage. By comparison, the productivity benefit per employee with depression is at least $880 per year, and per employee with coronary heart disease, at least $1,004 per year.

“Our new research continues to make the clear and compelling case that paid leave leads to better health outcomes for everyone – from newborns and their caregivers to people who deal with chronic conditions that require sustained medical care,” said Jocelyn C. Frye, president of the National Partnership for Women & Families. “The evidence shows that investments in paid family and medical leave are good for workers, good for families and good for businesses and our economy as a whole.”

The findings will be highlighted at an event in Philadelphia today, featuring paid leave champions including state Rep. Jennifer O’Mara and other local advocates and supporters.

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