So many employers are embarking on a new concept for Parents; benefits, grants for daycare and even back pay may all be a part of the 2020 Defense Authorization Bill. The House and Senate recently passed a bipartisan bill funding the government through 2020. We should learn soon, after the House and Senate Bills are reconciled, if parental leave, pay, childcare, and cyber security education are included in the final rule.
Many of the foundational platforms represented in this bill focus on key areas to include Department of Defense pay. For example, contractor back-pay as new wage bills would give funding to contractors who were furloughed or had reduced hours during a government shutdown; workers making $965 a week or less would qualify for the back pay. Parental leave and childcare are important issues that need attention; this bill would extend Parental Leave to up to 12 weeks for maternity as well as enable additional flexibility in how it is taken.
Paid parental leave impacts both economic and logistical concerns since it is extremely important for new parents. In addition, it is a positive endeavor for organizations; encouraging new parents to return to their employers instead of seeking additional opportunities with other ‘parental friendly’ companies. The ability to return to work recharged and refreshed increases the employee’s focus and morale in many cases. Finally, it is better for the economy since more women are likely to return to their jobs after utilizing paid maternity leave; this productivity boost can increase business as well as performance while simultaneously satisfying the work/life balance so critically needed for new parents.
Paid parental leave may not impact a company’s bottom line. California, who recently implemented a new parental leave policy, reported that over 90% of organizations witnessed a more positive effect on their profit, turnover and morale. Also, a study completed by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research offered that paid leave reduces costs, increases workplace productivity and improves family incomes. Also, Rutgers University recently found that close to 40% of women who take paid leave from work are less likely to apply for welfare.
Finally, education is another critical element for consideration in this plan, and specifically cyber security education, where non-traditional schooling (online and remote opportunities) is being considered as part of a resource/tool for military personnel training expansion.
References:
- https://federalnewsnetwork.com/defense-main/2019/06/four-provisions-in-ndaa-and-budget-bill-that-impact-your-pay-and-benefits/
- https://www.govloop.com/the-importance-of-paid-parental-leave/
- https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/1790
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