4 ms·

But nothing you list there is a reason for parental leave. The concept of parental leave is to spend time taking care of a new child while adjusting to the chan

But nothing you list there is a reason for parental leave. The concept of parental leave is to spend time taking care of a new child while adjusting to the changes of parenthood. Companies could choose to have "puppy leave" for when employees choose to adopt newborn puppies. Choosing to have a dog (or not) and choosing to have a child (or not) are life choices about time and money investments in taking care of another being, and in the right circumstances they are choices! I imagine a company with a puppy leave policy (however absurd on the surface) would cause jealousy in coworkers who choose to have children, instead. And, rightfully so! One can not "pause" parentship, it is true. But one can and should choose parentship in most circumstances, and one should not expect an employer to provide special relief from all its obligations, financial/time/otherwise. Employers should instead provide adequate comp and leave to all its employees, regardless of their life choices. It is ultimately about fairness and a rule that says employees deserve what they earn and don't get unreasonably special treatment for choices that are, frankly, none of the company's business.

c17r 11y ago
> Companies could choose to have "puppy leave" for when employees choose to adopt newborn puppies. The Motley Fool has a "pet-ternity" leave policy. I believe it's a week or two when you get a new pet.
jkot 11y ago
What would be a valid reason for parental leave, if not sick children or sick partner? And why is parental leave at Etsy spreaded over 2 years (some companies have even 7 years). Children is not a puppy. And some companies have dog friendly policy. There is also a leave for weddings, funerals, menstruation... It is another perk offered by company to its employees. I dont play ping-pong or dring free soda, should I be offended if company does offer that?
- pixelmonkey 11y ago
  I think there's a straightforward difference between a fringe office perk of marginal value (like free soda) and a form of direct compensation (like paid time off, options, and salary), and I think it's important for employers to distribute the latter based on fitness for job, market rates, and employee value, rather than on arbitrary life choices -- at least wherever possible.
  - jkot 11y ago
    Having children is not arbitrary choice, but normal behaviour. 40% to 60% pregnancies are unplanned. And heterosexual men have no control over this except abstinence, thin piece of latex or tied tubes. Not having children is arbitrary choice. One has to suppress natural instincts and put lot of effort into contraception. Etsy is on free market, and it does its best to atract employees. Some choose parental leave, because it means they will not have to quit their jobs in few years. Some others will choose different company with more money. Plus this is great way to increase diversity and attract more women. People do not care about bullshit like microagressions, but parental leave is a strong factor. And finally 6 months parental paid leave might sounds extraordinary, but it is not unusual in other countries. Even Czech Republic has 28 weeks paid and 3 years unpaid leave.

c17r 11y ago

> Companies could choose to have "puppy leave" for when employees choose to adopt newborn puppies. The Motley Fool has a "pet-ternity" leave policy. I believe it's a week or two when you get a new pet.

jkot 11y ago

What would be a valid reason for parental leave, if not sick children or sick partner? And why is parental leave at Etsy spreaded over 2 years (some companies have even 7 years). Children is not a puppy. And some companies have dog friendly policy. There is also a leave for weddings, funerals, menstruation... It is another perk offered by company to its employees. I dont play ping-pong or dring free soda, should I be offended if company does offer that?

pixelmonkey 11y ago
I think there's a straightforward difference between a fringe office perk of marginal value (like free soda) and a form of direct compensation (like paid time off, options, and salary), and I think it's important for employers to distribute the latter based on fitness for job, market rates, and employee value, rather than on arbitrary life choices -- at least wherever possible.
- jkot 11y ago
  Having children is not arbitrary choice, but normal behaviour. 40% to 60% pregnancies are unplanned. And heterosexual men have no control over this except abstinence, thin piece of latex or tied tubes. Not having children is arbitrary choice. One has to suppress natural instincts and put lot of effort into contraception. Etsy is on free market, and it does its best to atract employees. Some choose parental leave, because it means they will not have to quit their jobs in few years. Some others will choose different company with more money. Plus this is great way to increase diversity and attract more women. People do not care about bullshit like microagressions, but parental leave is a strong factor. And finally 6 months parental paid leave might sounds extraordinary, but it is not unusual in other countries. Even Czech Republic has 28 weeks paid and 3 years unpaid leave.