Unprecedented perks may set trend for other companies to follow suit.
By Raif Karerat
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WASHINGTON, DC: Ntflix has taken the unprecedented step of allowing its employees to take paid leave for as much as a year after the birth or adoption of a child, a perk never before seen amongst the landscape of U.S. corporate business.
The policy applies to the first year after a child is born or adopted. Both parents can take as much time off as they want during that period, and options abound — they might choose to return to work part time or to come back full time for a few months and then leave again, reported CNN Money.
All the while, Netflix will continue to pay their full salaries and benefits and parents won’t have to file for disability or other state coverage.
“We want employees to have the flexibility and confidence to balance the needs of their growing families without worrying about work or finances,†the company’s chief talent officer, Tawni Cranz, wrote on the company’s blog Tuesday.
Workplace expert John Challenger – CEO of outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, told CBS Chicago that he doesn’t expect widespread adoption of similar policies as most companies could not afford such lavish perks.
“It’s always the most successful companies – and right now that seems to be the most successful companies coming out of Silicon Valley – who see themselves as pushing the boundaries,†he said.
Meanwhile, Carol Sladek, who leads work-life consulting at Aon Hewitt, told the Washington Post that any companies planning on mimicking Netflix may want to reconsider.
“Most people need some parameters around leave to have that ‘permission’ to take what they need,” she stated. “Without those parameters, it’s a lot more difficult for employees, managers and the corporate culture to be accepting.”
According to the Wall Street Journal, research shows unlimited vacation policies result in workers’ taking less time off, because they are unsure how their requests will be perceived by managers and peers.
However, strong workplace cultures such as those fostered in Silicon Valley help — workers are more likely to take leave if they’re confident they won’t be punished for doing so, said Ken Matos, senior director of research at the Families and Work Institute.