Facebook boosts parental leave to four months

Facebook has revealed it is extending its paid parental leave policy to cover four months for all new parents, regardless of gender or where in the world they live.

This leave can be taken at any time for up to one year after the birth of a baby, and by both the primary and secondary caregivers.

The company said the expanded benefit primarily affects new partners and people outside of the US in same-sex relationships.

Facebook Vice President of People Lori Matloff Goler said the company has decided to make the change “because it’s the right thing to do for our people and their families. Studies show that when working parents take time to be with their newborns, outcomes are better for the children and families.”

She cited research showing that almost half of fathers are worried that they do not spend enough time with their children.

The move is aimed at ensuring fathers and mothers alike have the same level of support during the early stages of parenthood.

Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg last week announced that he plans to take two months of paternity leave after his daughter’s birth. The decision has been widely publicised in the media.

Image courtesy of M&R Glasgow under CC