Paid Sick Leave Access Linked to Lower Perceived Risk and Greater Job Satisfaction Among Home Service Workers

Strategic Insights -

A study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine has found that access to paid sick leave (PSL) is associated with lower perceived risk, reduced job stress, and greater job satisfaction among home service workers. The study, conducted by researchers from the Catholic University of Korea, surveyed 1,643 in-home service workers and found that those with PSL access reported lower perceived risk, reduced job stress, and greater job satisfaction compared to workers with unpaid leave or no access to sick leave.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that access to paid sick leave (PSL) is associated with lower perceived risk, reduced job stress, and greater job satisfaction among home service workers.
  • In the study, 83% of the 1,643 in-home service workers surveyed responded to the survey, providing a significant sample size for the research.
  • The study assessed the effects of sick leave type (paid, unpaid, no access, unsure) on perceived risk, job stress, and satisfaction, controlling for demographics and occupation.
  • Compared to workers with PSL, those with unpaid leave (b = 0.087) and no access (b = 0.080) reported higher perceived risk, indirectly associated with lower job satisfaction via increased job stress.
  • Workers with no access (b = -0.060) and unsure access (b = -0.057) also showed a direct association with lower job satisfaction.
  • The study concluded that PSL access may support in-home service workers' mental health and job satisfaction.
  • The study's findings have significant implications for public health policy, particularly in regards to the COVID-19 pandemic, where access to paid sick leave has been a critical factor in preventing the spread of the virus.

Statistics:

  • The study surveyed 1,643 in-home service workers, with 83% of respondents.
  • The study found a significant association between access to paid sick leave and lower perceived risk (b = -0.087), reduced job stress (b = -0.080), and greater job satisfaction (b = -0.060) compared to workers with unpaid leave or no access.
  • The study controlled for demographics and occupation, providing a robust analysis of the effects of sick leave type on perceived risk, job stress, and satisfaction.

Sources:

  • Baek, E.M. et al. (2025) "Protecting the Frontline: How Paid Sick Leave Access Influences Perceived Risk, Job Stress and Job Satisfaction Among Home Service Workers." Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Vol. xx, No. x, pp. x-x.
  • Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Two Commerce Sq, 2001 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA.
  • NewsRx. New Findings Reported from Catholic University of Korea Describe Advances in CDC and FDA (Protecting the Frontline: How Paid Sick Leave Access Influences Perceived Risk, Job Stress and Job Satisfaction Among Home Service Workers). Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA. August 31, 2025; p 657.