The best parental leave policies have these 3 things in common

In the U.S., the best paid parental leave policies include high levels of flexibility, full salary compensation, and concrete return-to-work plans.

It’s no secret that the U.S.’s parental leave policies pale in comparison to those of other developed countries. Although the Family and Medical Leave Act will protect jobs for up to 12 weeks after the birth or adoption of a child, the act does not ensure payment during the time off; it simply ensures that your job will be waiting for you upon your return. The U.S. is the only high-income country in the world that does not have a mandatory paid parental leave policy. As a result, parental leave policies have become a top factor for candidates to consider when deciding which organization to work for.