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Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Companies Need To Modernize Their Parental Leave Policies
Cynthia McEwen is the Vice President of People at women's health benefits company Progyny. According to a 2023 U.S. Office of the Surgeon General Advisory, nearly 50% of parents said they experienced overwhelming stress most days. But when it comes to employer-provided support, such as parental leave policies, many modern workplaces aren't offering what these caregivers need. Traditional leave policies often fail to account for the wide range of family structures and birth-related situations that exist today. Adaptable parental leave policies are more than a benefit. They're a strategic imperative for employers seeking to attract and retain talent. Let's examine these challenges and determine how employers can effectively address them, ensuring both employee support and a strong bottom line. Caregivers who adopt or foster children face unique challenges. For example, the legal processes involved in pursuing this path require extensive preparation, including up to six months of in-person appointments that often take place during business hours. International adoptions present additional challenges, like extensive travel and even more complex legal procedures, that don't always align with conventional leave timeframes. Meanwhile, foster placements often occur at a pace that makes it impractical to adhere to standard leave policies' advanced notice requirements. Companies can alleviate these challenges by offering more flexible parental leave policies that accommodate home studies and training, travel and last-minute placements in fostering households. Other useful support for easing the transition to parenthood are financial assistance for adoption-related expenses, access to counseling and parent-focused employee resource groups. Birth complications highlight the additional inadequacy of many parental leave policies. According to a 2023 study on maternal health, women are still at risk for developing serious health conditions after the standard postpartum period of six to eight weeks. These may result in extended recovery periods, frequent medical follow-ups and a need for additional caregiving support. Meanwhile, the non-birthing parent must be able to provide the necessary emotional and logistical support. However, many postpartum care services end after six weeks, leaving parents without the resources they need. Supporting employees through birth complications requires a multifaceted approach. Return-to-work assistance, for example, helps reduce absenteeism, improve retention and mitigate long-term career setbacks. Offering extended leave or flexible work arrangements for employees whose partner is in postpartum recovery can help improve health outcomes for both parents and reduce stress during an already challenging time. Additionally, benefits must go beyond medical care. Mental health support, such as access to employee assistance programs, is particularly vital because psychological distress is a significant factor in maternal morbidity and mortality. By addressing both medical and emotional needs, employers can foster a more supportive environment for all parents affected by birth complications. In many cultures, childbirth is a communal experience where extended family plays a major role in postpartum care. Parental leave policies that fail to consider these cultural norms may force employees to choose between their professional responsibilities and deeply rooted traditions that support maternal and family well-being. By accommodating cultural birth-related practices—whether through adequate paid leave, flexible return-to-work options or childcare-related resources—companies can demonstrate respect for all parents. There are many family structures beyond the stereotypical two-parent household, such as single-parent households, blended families and families formed through surrogacy. But traditional parental leave policies rarely address these families' specific circumstances. For example, if a single parent is responsible for all caregiving duties, they may have greater time off needs than someone with a co-parent or a strong support system. Parents with blended families may need flexibility to accommodate legal arrangements, while families formed through surrogacy often need additional time for the emotional adjustments associated with welcoming a child. When companies provide parental leave, they should consider all paths to parenthood and different ways that families form. Policies that are paired with back-to-work transition support, new-parent educational resources and other tools help create a workplace culture where individuals can thrive both professionally and personally. As we continue to redefine what it means to "work well," let's ensure parental leave policies evolve to meet the needs of today's workforce. Anything less risks perpetuating inequities and forfeits the opportunity to build truly empowering workplaces. Forbes Human Resources Council is an invitation-only organization for HR executives across all industries. Do I qualify?
Associated Press
07-05-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Lutheran Home and Alzheimer's Association Launch New Education Series During Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., May 7, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Lutheran Home, in partnership with the Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter, announces a free community education series focused on Alzheimer's disease, brain health and caregiver support. Coinciding with Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month in June, the upcoming events underscore Lutheran Home's ongoing dedication to educating and empowering families facing memory-related challenges. 'These events cover essential topics including understanding Alzheimer's, effective support strategies and the latest research advancements,' said Nikki Kowalczyk, Sales Director at Lutheran Home. 'Attendees will gain the knowledge and free resources needed to navigate the journey of Alzheimer's with confidence.' UPCOMING EVENTS Thursday, May 15, 2025 | 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m.: Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body – This engaging session will explore science-backed lifestyle choices, such as nutrition, exercise and cognitive stimulation, that can support long-term brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Attendees will walk away with practical strategies for living well and aging wisely. Thursday, June 19, 2025 | 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.: New Advances in Alzheimer's Research and Treatment – In this installment, participants will learn about the latest breakthroughs in Alzheimer's research and emerging treatment options. Presented in a relaxed, after-work setting, the event offers an approachable look at innovative care and provides an opportunity for open dialogue. 'This free event series is part of Lutheran Home's ongoing commitment to support families through expert education, compassionate care and community resources,' said Jennifer Darnell, Vice President of Marketing for Lutheran Life Communities. Lutheran Home is proud to offer one of the most comprehensive memory care continuums in the Chicagoland area, featuring services such as assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, adult day care and MyTapestry memory support. The care model is designed to address every stage of dementia, with Grace-Filled living and compassionate, trained professionals. Event Details and RSVP visit: As part of this awareness effort, Lutheran Home will also participate in the 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer's on Sunday, September 21, inviting community members to join the team and take part in the fight to end Alzheimer's. To join Lutheran Home and the 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer's on September 21, visit: ABOUT LUTHERAN HOME Lutheran Home is part of Lutheran Life Communities, a faith-based 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization founded over 130 years ago that supports Arlington Heights with a full spectrum of care and services. Recognized on Newsweek's America's Best Nursing Homes 2025 list, they offer assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, an adult day club, inpatient and outpatient rehab, home care services, move management services and Shepherd's Flock Child Care and Preschool and Jenny's Bistro, which is open to the public and serves gourmet food and beverages. Lutheran Home invests in a full, robust continuum of care that can address early dementia and mild cognitive impairment with stage-form care supportive services and residential solutions like MyTapestry memory support. The memory support programming extends through end of life with care provided by a care team trained in dementia. It's Grace-Filled living. NEWS SOURCE: Lutheran Life Communities Keywords: NonProfit and Charities, Lutheran Home, Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter, Senior Living, Lutheran Life Communities, Alzheimers, ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Lutheran Life Communities) who is solely responsibile for its accuracy, by Send2Press® Newswire . Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed. Story ID: S2P126036 APNF0325A To view the original version, visit: © 2025 Send2Press® Newswire, a press release distribution service, Calif., USA. RIGHTS GRANTED FOR REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY ANY LEGITIMATE MEDIA OUTLET - SUCH AS NEWSPAPER, BROADCAST OR TRADE PERIODICAL. MAY NOT BE USED ON ANY NON-MEDIA WEBSITE PROMOTING PR OR MARKETING SERVICES OR CONTENT DEVELOPMENT. Disclaimer: This press release content was not created by nor issued by the Associated Press (AP). Content below is unrelated to this news story.
