I want to work for Netflix. They give their new fathers and new mothers a year off. What? That’s right, people get 365 days to bond with baby. Wow.
One Year Off
I will not be having any more babies, but what an amazing concept. This is a new idea in paid maternity and paid paternity leave here in the U.S. Ours is the only developed country that does not guarantee even one day off during this precious time. Europe, on the other hand, has generous employee leaves and vacations.
Paid In Full
So Netflix is braving new corporate territory here in the states. It made its big announcement on August 5, 2015, in a blog – effective immediately! Paid in full!
The chief talent officer, Tawni Cranz, explained that the new policy is in keeping with Netflix’s “freedom and responsibility culture.”
Cranz said:
“We want employees to have the flexibility and confidence to balance the needs of their growing families without worrying about work or finances. Parents can return part-time, full-time, or return and then go back out as needed. We’ll just keep paying them normally, eliminating the headache of switching to state or disability pay.”
U.S.’s Bad Record
The unconventional company already promises employees unlimited vacation days. I can see CEO’s all over the country having panic attacks over this. What will they do about the paid maternity and paternity leave? The U.S. is the only developed country in the world without a federal policy ensuring new moms (let alone dads) paid time off. The only one!
Cranz explains in the company blog that Netflix’s parent-friendly policies are actually good for business, because then they are “competing for and keeping the most talented individuals in their field.”
Baby Bonding Needed
Netflix treats its employees with respect and concern. It gives people the opportunity to create the work-life balance that best suits them. Companies with poor benefits simply cannot compete. Sure, they may give their employees a limited amount of freedom; but then they work those same people to death.
Netflix is smart. Let’s hear it for the paid baby bonding year. Other U.S. companies should pay attention.
NOTE: Netflix employees in the company’s DVD division are excluded from the new parental leave policy, according to The Huffington Post. The company did not give any explanation for why.
