Family-Friendly Policies | Insights from the Parental Leave and Family Support Benchmark

Author: Jennifer Liston-Smith, Head of Thought Leadership, Bright Horizons

Liston-Smith’s monthly review reflects on key themes, news and public policy updates in the world of combining work and family for organisations, parents and carers. This month, celebrating the launch of our newly published Parental Leave and Family Support Benchmark, Jennifer takes a particular glance at what Good looks like.

Parental Leave and Family Support Benchmark – What does Good look like?

Our just-published Parental Leave and Family Support Benchmark gives a clear picture of what Good looks like in employer support for new and expectant parents, ongoing parents, and carers, drawing on over 500 UK employers.

This year, we’ve presented the data in diagrams showing the basics covered by most employers and then the provisions in place with fewer employers, which offer a competitive edge. Some provisions such as group coaching and access to support with care are growing while some, such as the option to return part-time on full pay are reducing. There is also an anonymous league table to explore to see where your parental leave policy sits in terms of enhanced paid leave.