What is paternity leave?

Paternity leave is a type of leave given to employees – either fathers or other secondary caregivers – who just became parents of a new child, either through birth or adoption. This time is granted to give the secondary caregiver time to bond with the new child.

Paternity leave tends to be included as part of a benefits package. It’s often treated as other types of leave – like sick days or vacation. An employee may need to fill out paperwork or submit the relevant documentation to request the time off.

How long is paternity leave?

Length of paternity leave will depend on country’s laws and the employer’s own policies. In some countries, paternity leave is legally required to be several weeks. In other countries, it’s not required at all and may be completely at the employer’s discretion.

Is paternity leave paid?

Paternity leave can be paid, partially paid, or unpaid, depending on the country and the employer’s own policies. For example, some companies may offer additional paternity leave in addition to what’s legally required as part of their benefits package.

Paternity leave vs maternity leave

Paternity leave and maternity leave tend to be treated differently, with maternity leave usually better compensated and longer.

Shared parental leave is used in some countries to offset the inequality that can arise from the disparity in length. Shared parental leave may give parents a chance to share the time off.

What are federal paternity leave laws in the US?

The current federal governing law for parental leave in the United States is the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Through FMLA, eligible American workers can receive 12 weeks of unpaid leave with full job security within that time. FMLA applies to companies with at least 50 employees within a 75-mile radius. Employees must have worked at least 25 hours a week for a minimum of one year with the company. Alternately, under FMLA the employee is eligible if they worked 1250 hours in the 12 months before the leave.

What is paternity leave under FMLA?

Under FMLA, workers still receive their employee benefits, and must return to their job or an equivalent position. The employee can combine FMLA leave with paid leave, vacation, or sick leave.
Federal employees and employees of companies with more than 50 workers can qualify for FMLA. To take paternity leave, a father must:

• Use the leave for the birth or adoption of a child or to care for a pregnant spouse
• Have worked for more than one year at the company
• Have worked at least 1,250 hours during that 12-month period
• Not be in a “highly compensated position” or one that is exempt from FMLA

How long is paternity leave in the US?

In most states, expectant and new fathers are entitled to 12 weeks unpaid, job-secured paternity leave. Because not all workers can afford to take unpaid time off, some states have created paid programs for fathers to take leave. California’s program pays employees 60-70% of their weekly wages earned 5 to 18 months before their coverage begins. Other states have their own programs, such as:

• Washington: State workers with more than 50 employees; up to 12 weeks paid leave in any 12-month period
• Rhode Island: All employees receive up to five weeks paid leave for caregivers of family members and up to 30 weeks paid disability leave
• New York: All private and public employees can receive up to 12 weeks paid leave per year
• Massachusetts: Employers with more than 25 employees receive up to 12 weeks paid leave to care for family members
• Connecticut: Public and private employers receive up to 12 weeks paid leave in two years
• New Jersey: Workers receive unpaid leave for up to 12 weeks or or 56 days of “intermittent leave”

Some states are more inclusive with paternal leave than FMLA, granting leave to domestic partnerships, civil unions, and other dependent adults.

The benefits of parental leave

The first few weeks of a child’s life are crucial for their development and attachment bonds. When fathers can take leave, they’re given the chance to bond and connect with their children early on. Paternal leave not only benefit the father, but employers as well. From creating a bond between the father and child to creating a more equal work environment, benefits include:

1. More employees returning to work refreshed from their time bonding with their child
2. The ability for companies to attract top talent with a generous leave package
3. Increased retention levels as employees feel more loyal to companies when ​​their job and benefits are safe.
4. Employers feel happier when they do not need to constantly sacrifice their home life for the job, creating a healthy company culture and higher morale in the office.
5. By granting men and women are parental leave, there is more equality in the workplace, which promotes an equal opportunity work environment.

Paternity leave for a global workforce

Local laws and customs surrounding paternity leave will differ from country to country. Companies need to be privy to this while still ensuring their own company culture surrounding paternity leave is reflected equally, regardless of where their employees are based.

All this requires extensive knowledge regarding local regulations, cultural expectations, and budgetary needs.

One way to go about meeting these requirements is through a payroll and payments solution, which can provide local expertise as well as budgetary and automation capabilities.