OPINION: Ballot Measure 1 can help ensure healthy workplaces in Alaska

Imagine waking up tomorrow morning sick and knowing that staying home means losing a day’s pay — or worse, risking your job. For many local workers, it is an all-too-common dilemma. Ballot Measure 1 aims to address this by promoting an occupational environment that benefits everyone, from business owners to Alaska families. Paid sick leave isn’t just about staying home when you’re sick; it’s about protecting our health, our workplaces, and our community.

Let’s take a look at the statistics: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “20% of food workers reported working at least one shift in the past year while experiencing vomiting or diarrhea.” The CDC also reports that “almost half of workers say they worked while sick because they wouldn’t get paid if they didn’t work,” fearing loss of wages and retaliation.

And there’s more — paid sick leave doesn’t just support workers; it also strengthens businesses and the economy by improving productivity and profitability. Regions with paid sick leave policies have seen private employment rates increase, which is why over 130 businesses support Ballot Measure 1.

For our businesses, a recent study demonstrates a 6% rise in productivity and a 1.6% increase in profitability in states that establish paid sick time standards. Researchers also learned that access to sick pay “leads to higher labor productivity and firm profitability.” Another study found that private sector employment rose in areas with paid sick leave.

And what about turnover? A study in Seattle determined that paid sick time actually reduced employee turnover by 4.7% for participating employees in small businesses. By decreasing missed work days from the spread of viral illnesses, another study estimated paid sick leave could reduce overall employer costs by over $1 billion per year.

From what we’ve seen, lack of provided sick leave can be directly linked to an increase in workplace accidents and the spread of communicable illnesses throughout our workplaces and communities. Employees without paid sick leave are 1.5 times more likely to perform work while sick. In many cases, employers have been known to penalize employees for taking their earned sick time, even when they’re ill. Ballot Measure 1 would guarantee employees the use of their sick leave without fear of retaliation.

In my business, we see the real consequences of an overworked, underpaid and overstretched workforce. Tired and sick employees are more likely to cause injuries — to themselves, their environment or the equipment they rely on. These incidents aren’t just statistics on a report; they are expensive mistakes that hurt both the worker and the business. In occupational safety and health, we are trained to search for the root cause of workplace accidents and injuries. Far too often, we find that it is not just the employee or equipment at fault, but it is the work environment — the expectations placed on the employee and unfortunately the lack of adequate support.

We cannot forget that employees are our greatest asset. No amount of advanced technology or automation can replace the hard-working individuals who keep our industries and businesses running. Without sufficient compensation, we see employees come to work feeling stressed, fatigued and distracted with the logistics of supporting themselves and their families.

You may hear arguments about the economy, about how raising the minimum wage will hurt businesses, but let me tell you something: The real risk to our economy is a workforce that is constantly burned out and unable to meet the demands placed on them.

In conclusion: Ballot Measure 1 supports both the businesses and the workers within our community. On Tuesday, I’ll be voting in favor of a safer, healthier Alaska workforce. Vote yes on Ballot Measure 1.

Kumiko Helming owns MBS Alaska, an Occupational Safety and Health consultancy in Anchorage.

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