Bill And Melinda Gates Foundation To Offer 52 Weeks Paid Parental Leave To New Moms And Dads (1046 hits)
More companies are realizing that America is so far behind other advanced countries when it comes to paid parental leave policies, and they’re deciding to make a change.
Friday, a spokesperson for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced that they will now offer up to 52 weeks paid parental leave to new parents during the first year of the child’s birth or adoption.
“Our new parental leave program will offer up to 52 weeks of paid time off for both mothers and fathers during the first year of a child’s birth or adoption,” said Steven Rice, the foundation’s chief human resources officer, in a statement shared by the Seattle Post Intelligencer. “This will enable parents to participate more fully in their children’s lives while also allowing them the flexibility and financial certainty to meet the needs of their growing families. Ultimately, our parental leave program is focused on healthier babies, parents who are able to thrive professionally, and strong and resilient families.”
Currently, the Family Leave Act requires companies to provide employees 12 weeks’ unpaid leave without the looming threat of losing their jobs or health insurance.
Hopefully, other employers will take notice of the companies stepping up to the plate with these new and improved paid parental leave policies and get with the program.
I agree. There is no reason why other companies can't make this the rule rather than the exception. When I worked for Horizon BCBS, I had to take an extended medical leave because 6 weeks was not long enough for a first time mother to get used to having a new baby. I went back to work after 6 months.
