Generous Short-Term Leave Policies Are Good for Business

Sher Kirk, Operations Director, Utility Safety Partners

In today’s competitive talent landscape, companies are rethinking how they support employees - not just with salaries and perks, but with policies that reflect empathy and flexibility. One area gaining attention is short-term leave.

In my 35 years of working, I have never taken time off other than my annual vacation allowance. Mine is the generation that saw time-off as laziness, weakness or gaming the system. Unless we were hospitalized, we were showing up for work.

Recently however, I found myself in a personal situation that prevented me from having a work-life balance for more than 3 years and getting progressively worse. I was burning out trying to keep up with personal and professional responsibilities and giving everyone 100%. Something was going to break (me) unless I found a release valve and got time to find a solution. My boss granted me personal leave to make that happen, and I finally got a taste of what short term leave can mean to an employee – from the other side. It was a game changer, maybe even a lifesaver. 

Whether it’s for illness, caregiving, mental health, or personal emergencies, short-term leave can be a lifeline for employees. Here’s the business case: generous leave policies aren’t just good for people—they’re good for performance. 
 
 1. Boosts Retention and Loyalty 
Employees who feel supported during life’s challenges are more likely to stay. According to SHRM¹, 81% of employers consider leave benefits “extremely important” or “very important” to workforce retention. 
1 SHRM Workplace Flexibility & Leave Advocacy 
 
 2. Enhances Productivity Long-Term 
Burnout leads to absenteeism, errors, and turnover. The APA reports that recovery time can restore productivity and reduce long-term disruptions². Now that I am back at work, I see how much more productive and focused I am.  
2 American Psychological Association, Workplace Burnout Report 
 
3. Strengthens Employer Brand 
Companies with generous leave policies see up to a 28% reduction in turnover and a 50% lower cost-per-hire³. 
3 LinkedIn Employer Brand Playbook 
 
4. Supports Diversity and Inclusion 
Leave accessibility is especially impactful for caregivers, women, and employees with chronic conditions⁴. 
4 Government of Canada, Duty to Accommodate Guidelines 
 
Treating employees well isn’t just the right thing to do - it’s a smart business strategy. A generous short-term leave policy is a simple, powerful way to show your workforce that you value their health, their families, and their future.