Dive Brief:
- Netflix announced its new unlimited paid paternity and maternity leave policy in a blog post on Tuesday.
- Netflix already has an unlimited vacation policy, but this program outwardly expresses Netflix interest in the work/life balance of new parents. Parents will be able to return part-time or full-time and be able to step out again if need be, all paid at the same rate.
- Netflix is only the latest company to introduce or expand their maternity/paternity leave policy, as many companies are trying to better accomodate parenthood in the war for talent.
Dive Insight:
As TechCrunch writes: "The talent grew up."
Companies that may have once offered playrooms, Xboxes and free lunch as part of their perks are now looking more seriously at work-life balance, especially concerning parenthood. Yahoo doubled their maternity leave in 2013 to become more competitive with Facebook and Google. Nestle, a big traditional employer, also came out in favor of longer maternity leave with their new policy.
Netflix has always considered benefits to be tied directly to their culture, however.
HR needs to pay attention to this trend. As millennial workers grow up and start families, employers who do not offer parental leave may find themselves behind their competitors in snagging the best talent.