For example, if your business has 50 or more employees, you need to comply with the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which requires that you provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave. When states started passing paid family and medical leave laws, many employers predicted the programs would be bad for business. People were respected as workers and carers and flexibility was part of the modus operandi. Benefits that match career growth through the Benefit Increase Rider That’s proving true in businesses and homes across the community, the country and around the world. You are leaving Standard.com to visit a website hosted by ImagiSOFT, our partner for illustration software. At The Standard, we’re on board to help you stay current on the latest paid family leave trends, legislation and programs. Besides the lack of harm and the positive outcomes, there’s more good news. Research from states that have passed these laws, and data from small-business owners in these states, shows paid family leave has not harmed most businesses. Currently all employers, both small and large, are under an obligation to provide for 12 months unpaid maternity leave for employees with 12 months service. A review of 30 case studies on employee turnover showed the cost of replacing an employee was about 20% of that worker’s annual salary. You are leaving Standard.com to visit a website hosted by iPipeline, our partner for Annuities forms and materials. I know the feeling. In general, eligibility of an employee will be assessed according to legislative guidelines. When states began passing paid family leave laws, lawmakers knew small businesses had concerns. Typically, only larger businesses can afford to pay their workers for any of that time. Finding work in a new occupation with the Own Occupation Rider Not surprisingly, very few small businesses offer any kind of paid maternity or paternity leave program. Many states go further than federal law when it comes to maternity leave. Previously, paid parental leave was only available as one 18-week block. You can currently run ISA, FGA, SPIA and Restricted SPIA illustrations. My early experience with small business also taught me that within that small business environment, employers and employees can come together to provide a level of informal flexibility that is much harder to find in larger enterprises. The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for tax, legal, or other professional advice. Assistance on the road to recovery through a rehabilitation program