Why Companies Should Grant a Paid Maternity Leave
It’s quite unfortunate that not all companies offer maternity leave. Some women have to get back to work immediately or risk losing more potential income. Even if they’re not yet physically capable of going back to work, they have no choice. As a business leader, you should change this policy. Offer a paid maternity leave to employees. It might be another expense for the business, but it will benefit the company in the long run.
It improves employee retention
Some women decide to leave the job due to the lack of paid maternity leave. If another company can offer the same job with a paid leave, they will grab the chance. Women can’t keep suspending their plans of starting a family since they will be at risk of losing the job. If you want the best women in your team to stay, paid leave should be a priority.
You will attract the best candidates
Apart from retaining the best employees, you will also attract new employees. Make sure you discuss paid maternity leave in your job posts online. These people will feel positive about the work environment. You also show how much you care for the welfare of your employees. More women will decide to work with you and it will be an edge over your competitors.
It boosts employee morale
Women will feel valued because of the paid leave. It doesn’t only include women who are currently pregnant, but everyone else. It shows the kind of business that you’re running. It will also boost overall productivity. Employees who are given this kind of privilege will return the favor. They will do their best to keep the job and maximize the benefit they might not receive elsewhere.
Improve the well-being of the employees
Imagine giving birth to a child and getting back to work after a few days. Some women do it because they don’t want to risk further losing money. They have a new family member whom they will spend a lot on. They can’t afford to be financially unstable. They will go back to work, but their heart is at home. They also feel guilty about leaving their babies behind. As a result, they can’t get the job done right. You don’t want your employees to feel that way. You would rather see them maximizing their recovery period before going back to work.
It boosts company image
With younger employees, company culture matters. They will only work for a business when they know their rights and welfare will be respected. They also don’t want to work for companies with a terrible image. You might lose these potential talents because of a poor image. When you offer a paid leave, many people will see your business on a positive light. It entices more people to work for the company.
For these reasons, it’s best to consider a paid maternity leave. It’s also the morally correct choice.
Photo Attribution:
1st and featured image from https://unsplash.com/photos/son4VHt4Ld0
2nd image from https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/15980-maternity-leave-requirements.html
