Ikea announced on Tuesday that effective Jan. 1, it will offer a new parental leave policy in the U.S. for workers who are expanding their families, providing up to four months of paid leave.
This includes salaried and hourly workers, both mothers and fathers, and adoptive and foster parents. The company said the expanded policy was introduced to ensure employees have the opportunity to bond with their children and connect as a new family.
“At Ikea, we believe time with family and friends is so important for a healthy work-life balance and a happy and productive workforce.” said Lars Petersson, Ikea U.S. president. “This benefit, which applies to all parents, will give our co-workers the opportunity to spend more time with their families when welcoming a child. Our co-workers are our most important resource, which is why we continue to invest in helping them reach their dream.”
CNN writes that the change in policy comes as other companies adjust their paternal leave policies in an effort to modernize workers' benefits and increase employee retention. Last year, Netflix began offering parents "unlimited" paid leave for a year. Other tech companies such as Adobe and Microsoft also have adjusted their parental benefits.
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