Parental Leave
New parents, typically mothers and fathers, are eligible for parental leave, which allows them to take time off from work to take care of their new-born or adopted child. Pay benefits, eligibility requirements, and the length of parental leave vary greatly from country to country and even employer to employer. In some instances, parental leave may be granted at one’s discretion, while in others it may be required by law or company policy.
New parents who may require time to bond with their child, recover from childbirth, or adjust to the new responsibilities of parenthood may benefit greatly from parental leave. By allowing both parents to take time off from work to care for their child, it also contributes to gender equality. Parental leave in some nations like Sweden and Norway is shared equally among both parents.
Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), eligible employees can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to take care of a new-born or a child they have adopted. Nonetheless, not all employees are covered by FMLA, and many can’t stand to take unpaid leave. Although it is not required by federal law, some employers provide paid parental leave as a benefit to attract and retain talent.