Paid Family Leave Infographic
The benefits of paid family leave are numerous, as shown by a wide range of studies. Yet the United States lags behind most advanced countries when it comes to providing paid family leave. Only about 12 percent of the workforce has access to it; the rest must resort to unpaid leave, putting them in a vicious cycle of financial struggles that affects not only them, but the economic vitality of the U.S. Although some might argue that paid family leave is bad for businesses, studies have shown that providing it has no significant impact on the profitability of businesses. Additionally, women who take paid leave, and then return to work, are less likely to need public assistance or food stamps later on, than women who don’t take leave. Paid family leave also benefits children. Fathers who take enough time off are more involved in childcare later in life. It’s not just children and new parents who benefit. Seniors often require care, but taking unpaid time off to provide for them is too burdensome for many families. Making sure caregivers are paid would ensure that seniors receive the care they need. The issue of paid family leave is gaining traction in the political sphere.
