The Importance Of Paid Family Leave

Starting and expanding families is challenging for most working people in America. Job uncertainty, financial insecurity and catering to the needs of a newborn are just a few of many challenges American families face when taking a leave of absence from work after the birth of a child. Every company should have a family policy that gives its employees the option to take paid leave if a family emergency occurs—most importantly the arrival of a newborn. Paid family leave will give working parents in America the chance to adjust to the lifestyle changes associated with having a newborn, without putting the stability of their home at risk. Pregnancies will be less stressful for mothers and fathers; businesses will increase production and the economy

will benefit greatly from paid maternity leave. All companies should have a family policy that includes paid parental leave for those who may need it and the congress should have no problem supporting this idea. In fact, the congress should promote it.
Involving both parents in the early life of an infant is essentially for the well-being of all children. When a father and Mother can care for their newborn together, it creates a safer environment for the baby and the parents can worry less. Infant mortality rates and premature births are substantially lower for families who receive paid time off to cater to the needs a newborn. Families who can care for their newborns themselves, instead of immediately returning to work and hiring a babysitter to watch their babies after the delivery can provide their full, undivided attention to their newborn, decreasingly the likelihood of infant death, sickness, or injury, within the homes of working families.
There are several studies with spellbinding data that supports the idea that providing paid parental leave is beneficial for the workers and the well-being of their families. The Sage study is one of many studies conducted that point out the benefits of paid-leave. It will have a positive and lasting effect on the lives of children and their parents. According to Susan J. Doulgas, “The Sage study provides compelling data to support the need not only for paid family leave, but also for high- quality early childhood education for all kids” (Douglas Par. 3) The Sage Study suggests that American children are less advanced than those in other countries: socially, academically and developmentally.
Working parents are forced to choose between working or being with their babies.

With no pay and the risk of losing their jobs--if additional time is requested--parents return to work in as little as two weeks after the birth of a child. This results in the absence of one or both parents during the most crucial part of a child’s life—the first year of life. Ultimately, it is the children who will suffer. The events that take place in the early years of a child life, as well as the people that surround, will influence who they become. Children need love and guidance from their parents. Babies can learn so much, parents have the time to teach them and watch them grow. It is their duty as well as their rights as parents to enjoy the first moments of life with their children. Susan J. Douglas says, “The first five years of life are so crucial to cognitive and emotional development” (Douglas Par 8). Parents often send their babies to daycare at too young of an age because they are expected to return to work and have no other choice. Others quit their job because they do not want their babies to go to daycare. This creates a financial strain on families and has lasting effects on the newborn and other young children in the home. Sharon Lerner says, “Paid parental leave frees mothers and fathers from choosing between their careers and time with their infants” (Lerner 20). Paid family leave alleviates a great deal of stress for parents who are expecting. It makes starting a family less frightening because families have enough money and time to adjust with their new lives before returning to work. This makes workers less likely to call out of upon returning and more likely to be focused on the

job.
The misconception that paid family leave will be too expensive for companies is why most business owners are not in favor it, but it is just that—a misconception. It imposes little to no costs on companies and increases worker retention. It isn’t often that employees will need to take a paid leave of absence for a family emergency. Companies who have already started providing their employees with paid leave have not seen any significant costs associated with it. In fact, most companies have seen an increase in production. Lerner says, “Despite dire warnings from business interests, most employers in New Jersey and California (where programs have been in effect long enough to be studied) haven’t found that paid leave has hurt productivity, profitability or turnover.” (Lerner 22). Employees who have paid leave after childbirth are more likely to return to work within a reasonable amount of time, fully focused and ready to work. They were also much less likely to call out because of childcare issues.
Almost every other developed nation, besides America has paid leave for working families. Nations who value working families have better economies. Kosik says, “A lack of paid leave makes the U.S. a global outlier-every other industrialized nation affords new parents paid time off.” Many other countries have seen the benefits of companies giving their employees paid time off. It stimulates the economy, by increasing production and growth within companies. Paid parental leave for men and women is narrowing the gap in gender equality, mainly because women who receive paid leave are much more likely to return to work and less likely to rely on government assistance and men are more likely to take some time off to help the mother cater to the needs of the baby. Jessica Kosik says, “E- sector workers have paid family leave through their employer. In its absence, many parents dip into their savings or even turn to crowdfunding to take time off for a new baby” (Par 9). When families don’t have to use saved money to pay for baby expenses and bills during a leave of absence from work, they are less likely to go in debt.
If every company has a family policy that gives its employees the option of taking paid time off after childbirth, the quality of life for infants and children, because parents will be able to take care of their homes and give their children the attention, love and guidance that is needed during the first few months of life. In turn, babies will grow to be smarter, more sociable people, with a more positive outlook on life. When parents return to work after taking a leave of absence, they will be completely ready to work. Worker production and worker retention will increase and turnover will decrease for all companies. Men and women who can properly balance family life and work are more productive citizens and help stimulate the economy by working more and creating less debt America.