Study by Guardian Reveals Effects of Leave Policies

A study in 2025 by Guardian provided the following interesting results: 

• While 8 in 10 employers believe they provide a smooth leave experience, only 1 in 3 workers agree. 

• Workers who reported a positive leave experience are 75% more likely to stay at their job for more than 5 years.  

• 50% of employers say having a supportive manager is the most influential factor impacting the employee leave experience. 

The bottom-line result suggests that employers move away from having a leave policy that may make employees feel guilty about taking time off and instead recognize that time for an individual to “recharge their batteries” and take care of outside issues can actually produce positive results for the employer as well. According to the report, the following factors produce the most positive effects on employees’ experience with employers’ attendance and leave policies: 

• 50% Processes that help employees feel supported by the company, HR, and their manager; 

• 40% Processes that are clear and easy; 

• 40% A single point of contact during leave to provide guidance; 

• 36% Speed of claim decision and payment; 

• 34% Tools that help employees track their remaining leave availability/eligibility; and 

• 34% Knowing what comes next in the process.