Who Needs Paid Family and Medical Leave?
Currently, many workers lack access to paid family leave, with only 27% of private sector workers having this benefit. Among low-wage workers, primarily women and people of color, 95% have no access to paid family leave. A significant portion of employees report having no paid time off to care for a seriously ill family member. As our population ages, the demand for caregiving is increasing, and many struggle to balance these responsibilities with paid work. Access to paid leave is crucial for economic stability and support for families, workers, and communities.
Benefits to Businesses and Global Competitiveness:
- Paid family and medical leave has proven successful in various states and businesses, enhancing productivity, employee morale, and retention.
- The U.S. is the only Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) country without a national paid leave policy, which impacts global competitiveness. A national policy could level the playing field for smaller businesses and foster a more robust economy.
- Investing in paid family and medical leave is essential for supporting working families and promoting economic growth.