Paid parental leave would help address federal workforce challenges, including a reduction in employee turnover, the Institute for Women’s Policy Research has said in a new report.
"Adapting to a Changing Workforce," argues in favor of the Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act, which would provide four weeks of paid leave for federal workers who adopt, foster, or have a child.
According to the institute, the federal government – which does not provide paid parental leave in contrast to much of the private sector – needs to cater to the expectations of younger workers of more job flexibility in order to compete for and retain them, and replace retiring baby boomers.
The report argues that new mothers who are able to take leave are more likely to return to work within three months of giving birth, and are more likely to return to the same employer.
It said workplace flexibility increases employee commitment, and reduces turnover – thereby saving money and increasing productivity as a result of having to train fewer new employees and get more out of a stable workforce.
The report cites OPM data showing that in 2008 women of childbearing age were 31 percent more likely to quit federal employment than were men of the same age.
The institute estimates that the federal government could prevent 2,650 departures per year among female employees by offering paid parental leave, preventing $50 million per year in turnover costs.