Etsy Just Made a Super Impressive Improvement to Their Parental Leave Policy

Maternity leave is a constant hot button topic in the US. While some companies (like Amazon) have changed their policies to make the transition for new parents a little bit easier, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that a dismal 12 percent of Americans have access to paid maternity leave. Hoping to help facilitate a shift in the norm, Etsy has just announced some MAJOR improvements to their parental policy.
Today, Etsy revealed on their blog that beginning in April, company employees are eligible for 26 weeks of fully paid leave when they become a parent through birth or adoption, regardless of their gender, country of residence or family circumstance. Currently, The Family and Medical Leave Act only requires employers to provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave to workers with a new child. The length or even possibility of parental leave still remains up to individual employers. So, Etsy has essentially doubled the allotted amount of time legally required. Etsy employees must take at least eight of those weeks continuously within the first six months. The remaining 18 weeks can then be scheduled flexibly over two years’ time.
In the announcement Etsy explains that yes, they have reworked the benefits so as to remain competitive with the other tech giants offering an impressive parental leave policy. But they’re also making this change because they want to be a pioneer for a more realistic and livable standard. Etsy writes, “We want to support and enable parents, regardless of their gender, to play equal roles in building successful companies and nurturing their families. This fits squarely within Etsy’s mission to reimagine commerce in ways that build a more fulfilling and lasting world.”
How does your company’s policy compare? Share with us on Twitter @BritandCo.
(Photo via Getty)
Back in January, we introduced you to a feel-good cause to inspire your New Year's resolution: a walking challenge to help raise funds for the amazing cancer fighters at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I took part in the challenge with the Brit + Co team and ended up walking 105+ miles in January — it was awesome.
This spring, there's a new challenge on the horizon, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Big Climb. The ask: On May 15, 2021, you can step up to take cancer down by committing to climb 1,311 steps, walking 3.2 miles, or doing 440 chair step-ups at home as part of the Big Climb. If you need some motivation to bring movement back into your daily routine — look no further!
As always, it's free to sign up, but climbers are encouraged to set a fundraising goal to help beat cancer. We'll be organizing another Brit + Co team to step up, and I hope you'll join us too! Keep scrolling for a peek at where I'll be completing the challenge in my Los Angeles neighborhood around the hidden Silver Lake Stairs. Happy climbing!
Never underestimate the power of an accountability buddy! I asked my in-laws, my partner, and a few friends to join me so we can keep each other motivated and accountable in completing the challenge — virtual high-fives all around! Also, my dog Fox is a great climber, too.
An aesthetically pleasing backdrop is a huge motivator for me! I'm fortunate to have all sorts of painted steps around my neighborhood to keep the challenge interesting, but you can also keep cool inside with at-home chair step-ups.
Don't forget to share your progress on social — #BigClimb!
Feel free to break the challenge up if you need to by tackling half the distance in the AM and half at sunset. Here's me 1,311 steps later and ready for a break — but, think I earned this one!
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