Currently, more than 100 nations have established some form of maternity or parental leave policy. Existing parental leave policies vary in length and financial support.
Researchers recognize three key issues around policy leave:
These issues and other factors, such as the type and availability of quality child care, significantly affect the duration of leave. Mothers have additional concerns, including the nature of their occupation (e.g. self-employed), employer-provided benefits, return-to-work options, job security and career advancement. There is evidence that women who take maternity or parental leaves may experience negative financial consequences.
Additional studies focusing on parental leave programs that offer options such as those available in European countries are needed. Key areas of further research include:
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Why do women return to work early?
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Why do most men not take parental leave?
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What determines how long a mother or father will take a leave?
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How can we normalize leave-taking for both mothers and fathers?
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What can organizations do to assist parents to balance work and family?
Parental leave is only one component in a set of policies and supports developed to help parents balance competing work and family demands. Examination should not be limited to social policies (i.e. maternity and parental leaves), but include reviews and assessments of employment structures, employee performance rewards and support in the workplace (scheduling flexibility, breastfeeding accessibility, quality child care facilities).
Additional research could help to determine how workplaces, communities and governments can respond to enhance the positive long-term development of healthy families and children.
See also Stress (prenatal and perinatal)
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