Dramatic Uptick in Employers Providing Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as Paid Holiday Per Nationwide US Survey

This year, over two in five American employers (43%) will provide a paid day off for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a notable increase from the previous all-time high of 37% recorded in each of the past two years. The nationwide survey has been conducted annually since Martin Luther, Jr. Day became a US federal holiday and reflects the responses of senior human resources and employee relations executives representing nearly 450 employers.

While the increase in businesses providing Martin Luther King, Jr. day off with pay certainly is striking, it is worth noting that the majority of US employers still do not give employees a paid day off for the federal holiday,” said Molly Huie, Bloomberg BNA’s Manager of Survey and Research Reports. “Putting things into perspective with other federal holidays, the number of business giving employees a paid holiday on Dr. King’s birthday is on par with President’s Day (37%) and far outpaces Columbus Day (16%) and Veteran’s Day (24%).”

Over 7 in 10 non-business organizations (e.g., healthcare organizations, government and educational institutions) to provide a paid day off. While 73% of employees at non-business organizations will get Dr. King’s birthday off with pay, only 14% of manufacturers will follow suit. Approximately one in three non-manufacturing businesses, such as financial services organizations and insurance providers, will provide a paid holiday. Over half of workers in unionized organizations (53%) will get the day off with pay, as compared to less than four in ten (39%) in non-unionized workplaces.

1 in 4 employers to hold a commemorative event. While 23% of all employers will sponsor programs or events in January to recognize Dr. King’s life and achievements, no manufacturers responded that they will be doing so. Those most likely to hold a commemorative event are non-business organizations (35%) and organizations with unions (38%).

(Source: Bloomberg BNA)