I got my employer to up their parental leave - but it went from 1 week to 2 weeks.

Anonymous

November 4,2022 at 2:57PM UTC

Welcome to Fairygodboss!

We’re the largest online career community helping women achieve their career goals. Gain access to articles, jobs, events, and a supportive network of women and allies. Membership is free, always.

I got my employer to up their parental leave - but it went from 1 week to 2 weeks.

What is the best way to express that I appreciate they increased it, but that this is still woefully inadequate?

I also want to add that I know I'm lucky to have a company that has some kind of paid leave... but I don't know how to still communicate that that isn't a great policy?

Why women love us:

Daily articles on career topics
Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
Advice and support from an authentic community
Events that help you level up in your career
Free membership, always

7 comments

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

7 Comments

Join the conversation

AnonymousNovember 4,2022 at 3:18PM UTC
Tread very lightly, because you'll quickly look argumentative and ungrateful since your employer already made this update.
Frankly, I think two weeks is pretty good. And they doubled the amount of time, put this in the win column!
If you're going to the mat on this one, I'd take industry and competitor statistics in with you or find an advocate in HR to back your recommendation. I'd also give serious thought to how much time and energy you're going to invest in asking for another change that likely won't happen.
AnonymousNovember 4,2022 at 3:22PM UTC
Unfortunately they try to argue that they're on par with the industry for other companies their size, which is also unfortunately accurate.
I feel like that is a poor excuse, why do you want to be on par with all the other companies?
AnonymousNovember 4,2022 at 3:43PM UTC
If we are talking paternity leave, sadly this is pretty common. My current employer offers fathers 3 month of paid leave to be used any time in the first year.
AnonymousNovember 4,2022 at 6:12PM UTC
Parental leave in general. So both for maternity or paternity...
ChristieNovember 4,2022 at 3:46PM UTC
I think data is always compelling. Looking at other companies and comparing, convincing them to do a survey of current staff with the idea that if you want to recruit other top talent you need to make sure current staff needs are being met and benefits are a huge driver of attracting talent.
AnonymousNovember 4,2022 at 6:20PM UTC
I work in a predominantly male company. However any guy I have talked to and brought this up has agreed that it's pathetic. I'm not sure if I just start a petition for improved paid leave?
I work in manufacturing Engineering where our company size is about 2-500. Most companies this size in our area and industry don't offer paid leave. I feel that is a really lame excuse as to not offer it though... Why can't they just be better than everyone else?
Sharon GrehanNovember 4,2022 at 7:06PM UTC
Benchmarking data is key here. You can be appreciative of the good start to getting closer to benchmark and communicate a desire to continue the positive momentum