Paid Family Leave:
Family Friendly Business Practice
Studies show paid family leave reduces financial challenges employees may face during times of medical, personal, or family needs.(1) This family friendly business practice also supports an engaged workforce.(2)
What is it?
Paid family leave is an employee benefit that eases the financial burden on individuals who need to take time away from work to care for a seriously ill immediate family member or themselves. Unlike the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), paid family leave is not guaranteed for all employees in the United States, or in Montana.(2) Federal employees have access to a type of paid family leave called paid parental leave, following a birth or adoption.(3) California, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Washington implemented paid family leave policies in the last several years.(4) Locally, Missoula and Gallatin counties both recently adopted paid parental leave for the birth or adoption of a child.(5,6)
Why do we need it?
In 2018, only 13% of U.S. workers had access to a paid family leave benefit, leaving out part-time, entry-level employees.(1,2) Single parent families and families living in poverty are likely to face increased financial risks of unpaid leave.(1) Women with access to paid family leave are more likely to return to work, and families with access to the benefit are less likely to use public assistance programs.(7) Businesses with active paid family leave policies report improved employee morale, productivity, and retention.(1,2) In addition, paid family leave policies can have positive outcomes for early childhood healthy, household income and job stability, productivity at work, and greater overall public health outcomes.(7)
