Maternity Leave
In 1919 the blossoming International Labor Organization adopted the Maternity Protection Convention. This convention called for 12 weeks of paid maternity leave, free medical care during and after pregnancy and job security upon returning to work. In the century since this historic win, all developed countries in the world have surpassed this international standard except the US.
Today, paid maternity leave is considered a privilege not a right. Through the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the federal government guarantees 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for childbirth or adoption. Unfortunately, this law does not apply to everyone.
Not only is the first 12 weeks of a baby’s life a crucial time for moms to recover and bond with their children, but according to Forbes, taking this time off increases employee retention, satisfaction, lowers overall healthcare costs, and increases productivity. Advocating for longer maternity (and paternity) leave signals empathy and a culture of caring, not only for your employees, but for their families as well.
For more information on the International Labor Organization and the FMLA please visit the following links:
