In Europe, where paternity leave is more common, research has found similar benefits. And there are some drawbacks. Businesses may not be as eager to make the leap as Blue State out of worry about the costs of paid family leave. Taking unpaid paternity leave may easily bring financial difficulties to a family. A longer leave definitely made a difference for Ipcar’s experience. Share a comment below. As the Jamaican Government facilitates discussions on the introduction of a Paternity Leave Act, some of the comments and opinions being posited in the public space are cause for concern. Our website uses cookies to offer you a better browsing experience, analyse site traffic, personalise content, and serve targeted advertisements. In California, employee retention in lower-skilled jobs increased to 83 percent for those who took leave compared to 74 percent of those who didn’t take it. Paternity leave is a strong indicator that a country supports and provides for working parents, says Marcus Noland, executive vice-president and director of studies at the Peterson Institute, and co-author of the report. A relevant parent is entitled to two continuous weeks' paid leave in respect of births from September 2016. Twelve said it had a positive impact on their work. She believes it has helped increase “gender equality in the home and in the workplace.”. When more workers are able to take leave, they’re more likely to choose to remain in the labor market, and paid parental leave is associated with higher employment in economies around the world. Because the agency caters to a less corporate clientele, it may not be able to match the salaries at strictly commercial agencies. ', Founded in 1962, Catalyst drives change with pioneering research, practical tools, and proven solutions to accelerate and advance women into leadership—because progress for women is progress for everyone.. Another study from that country showed that each additional month of parental leave taken by the father increases the mother’s earnings by approximately seven per cent. I expect in the long run, the benefits will absolutely outweigh the short-term costs. But all of these benefits only apply when the paternity leave is backed up by a culture that makes it a real option. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife and children. A contravention of Section 17 (1) or (2) is an offence, proceedings for which may be brought and prosecuted by the Workplace Relations Commission (proceedings to be commenced within 12 months from the date of the offence) and shall be liable on summary conviction to a class B Fine (currently €4,000). “But this is something Blue State Digital can do to make the lives of its employees better,” Danzig noted. Paid paternity leave doesn’t just help fathers, though. Current employees can receive up to 6 weeks of paid leave at two-thirds their wages, capped at $650 per week. It increases attraction and retention, saving businesses a great deal of money. Only 26% of managers, globally, encourage men to take leave. Research shows that when caring for their baby, more support from the father can increase the mother’s well-being – plus they’re less likely to experience depression after the birth. Keep these 5 legal considerations in mind, 10 powerful ways to improve your employee recognition. Editorial | Does Charles have authority on environment? It also helps to draw men in to a job. Our new study found that 73% of dads agree there is little workplace support for fathers, and one in five men (21%) fear the worst of workplace consequences—losing their jobs—if they take the full amount of paternity leave offered. Unfortunately, it’s still very rare in America. However, a new study shows that when men take their leave, everyone benefits. The Paternity Leave and Benefit Act 2016 commenced on 1 September 2016. It also increases corporate profits and builds gender equality—if done right. Any dispute regarding paternity leave may be referred to an Adjudication Officer of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) or on appeal to the Labour Court under Section 41 or 44 of the 2015 Act.