The Benefits of Paid Parental Leave: A Call for Workplace Culture Change

Sept. 22, 2024
Lourdes A. Rodríguez, M.S.
A picture of a cuddler giving milk

It is no secret that the U.S. is one of few countries with no national paid parental leave. Parents who welcome a child must rely on the protection of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to take time to bond with the child. FMLA provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year. But let’s be real: not every family can afford 12 weeks without an income. 

Studies show that parental leave brings benefits to both employees and employers. It increases breastfeeding rates, improves infant health, and provides time for parents to bond with the child and adapt to their new role. It also decreases mothers' and babies’ hospitalization rates and reduces postpartum depression and stress.

Employers who provide paid parental leave report an increase in the employee’s morale, loyalty, and productivity and a higher percentage of return to work. Fortunately, the University of Arizona recognizes these and other benefits from taking paid parental leave, allowing employees up to 12 weeks of paid and 12 weeks of unpaid leave.

Unfortunately, the number of eligible employees taking parental leave is often much higher than those who take it. Having this benefit means nothing if we do not experience a culture change. Some reasons why employees are still not fully using this benefit are:

  • A fear that the time off will affect their career progress.
  • A feeling of causing a workload burden to colleagues 
  • Not expecting colleagues' support or understanding 
  • Misinformation or lack of awareness of the benefit.
  • Lack of support from their managers and a sense of being judged. 

An important tool to maximize the benefits of paid parental leave and ease the transitions to parenthood and return to work is planning. To help future new parents develop a successful plan, Life & Work Connections offers one-on-one childcare and parenting consultations. This benefit helps employees:

  • Understand childcare options and identify tools that help in the search for a high-quality program.
  • Receive information and ask questions about U of A programs available for employees with dependents.
  • Clarify doubts and ease fears about parenting.
  • Learn tools available to support lactating parents returning to work, e.g., Family Resource Map.

For additional information about parental leave or other leaves available for employees, contact Leaves Administration. For other topics related to the benefits available to support your parenting and childcare needs, contact Life & Work Connections. Together, we can modify our workplace culture and “normalize” the use of the available benefits.