For insights on how your organization can better support working parents, explore Parents At Work, a collaborative initiative from Home Insemination Kit and Fatherly.
As a parent, financial worries have often weighed heavily on me. When I first became a mother and had no guaranteed maternity leave, I felt immense pressure about taking time off to recover, bond with my newborn, and learn to breastfeed. Upon returning to work, I was anxious about the potential for illness in my child or family members, or the need for my own medical leave.
Unfortunately, I’m not alone in these concerns. For countless American families, the absence of a safety net during challenging times creates significant financial and emotional stress. Many families find themselves in debt because they must leave their jobs or take unpaid leave to care for loved ones or themselves.
This issue is particularly American. Unlike most industrialized nations, which provide robust support systems for parents—such as paid maternity and paternity leave—U.S. policies fall short. For instance, in Estonia, new mothers are entitled to up to 18 months of paid leave post-birth.
In the U.S., the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows for time off for new parents, yet only 60% qualify for this leave, and it remains unpaid. So, while you might technically take time off, you must have savings to support yourself during that period. Although some companies do offer paid leave, it is not mandated by federal law, leaving many without this essential benefit.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the shortcomings of America’s family leave policies. With schools closed and daycare options scarce, many parents—predominantly women—have had to leave their jobs to care for their children. This situation has prompted the U.S. government to acknowledge the need for financial support for families.
The financial assistance provided through The Cares Act and The American Rescue Plan has been invaluable. However, it has also illuminated the necessity for such support during regular times.
Recognizing this, over 185 companies—including well-known brands like Pinterest, Patagonia, Levi’s, Eventbrite, and Hello Bello—have come together to sign an open letter addressed to President Biden and other lawmakers, calling for the establishment of a national paid family leave plan as part of the upcoming economic recovery strategy. This initiative, sponsored by Paid Leave for the United States (PL+US), is refreshing and essential.
The letter emphasizes, “We cannot emerge from this pandemic and remain one of only two countries in the world with no form of national paid leave.” It advocates for a policy that is fair and protects all workers, regardless of their job, location, or personal circumstances.
Jamie Smith, a Diversity and Inclusion Executive at Ripple—one of the letter’s co-signers—shares, “Paid leave is critical for our nation’s economic recovery. This letter is urging Congress to create a federal paid leave policy that fosters stronger, more equitable workplaces for families and businesses while boosting our economy. Over 75% of businesses believe that a national paid leave policy would better prepare them for future public health emergencies.”
For Smith and many working parents, this issue is deeply personal. “Neither of my parents received paid parental leave, and that shouldn’t be part of welcoming a new family member,” she reflects. “As a parent, I’ve experienced firsthand how crucial paid leave is during the early months of a child’s life.” She acknowledges her fortunate position but is determined to advocate for equal parental leave for all American parents.
It’s high time for change. With a new administration aiming to prioritize family needs, there’s hope that this issue will gain the attention it deserves.
If you work for a company interested in supporting this movement, you can find more information here. You can also encourage your leadership to sign the letter.