What is parental leave?
Parental leave allows new parents — whether by birth, adoption, or fostering — to take time away from work to care for their family. The length of leave, whether it’s paid or unpaid, and who can take it, depends on country-specific laws and employer policy.
Parental leave is usually available to mothers, fathers and other carers. This benefit helps parents balance work and family commitments.
Having clear parental leave policies makes it easier for organisations to attract and retain talented people. This is because it helps build an inclusive culture and shows that the business cares about their employees’ wellbeing.
Things to know
- Parental leave may include maternity leave, paternity leave, adoption leave, or shared leave, depending on local laws
- Some organisations offer enhanced or paid parental leave as part of their benefits
- Employees usually need to give advance notice and may have to meet eligibility criteria
- Rights and entitlements vary by country, so it’s important for both employees and employers to check local laws
FAQs
Who can take parental leave?
Whether workers are eligible or not depends on the country or company policy. It usually applies to birth parents, adoptive parents or partners.
Is parental leave paid?
It depends. Some parental leave is paid, some is not, while some may be a mix of both. It’s best workers check their contracts and local laws.
How does an employee request parental leave?
Normally employees need to apply in writing and give notice to the business before tak-ing any leave.
Can both parents take time off?
In many places, yes. Some policies allow shared or split parental leave between parents or carers. Check with the employer.
Why is parental leave so important for businesses?
Offering parental leave helps support employee wellbeing, promotes gender equality and aids staff retention.
