Navigating new parenthood can be challenging, especially with the lack of supportive leave policies in the U.S. As one of the few developed nations without mandated paid time off for parents, employees often face the burden of managing family responsibilities on their own. In 2023, only 27% of private sector workers in the U.S. had access to paid family leave through their employers, a number that drops significantly for low-wage earners.
Despite the struggle to convince top executives of the value of extended leave, there is a growing recognition that enhancing these policies can be crucial for attracting and retaining employees. Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), a leading IT company, expanded its parental leave benefits in 2019 as part of a broader effort to improve employee well-being and satisfaction. This investment has paid off in terms of increased worker engagement and contentment.
HPE’s comprehensive parental leave policy offers employees who have been with the company for more than a year 26 weeks of fully paid leave following the birth or adoption of a child, with the option to take additional unpaid time off. This surpasses the requirements of the Family and Medical Leave Act, which guarantees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for most employees.
By prioritizing employee well-being, HPE demonstrates its commitment to supporting its workforce holistically. The company’s emphasis on backing up policies with language and support ensures that employees feel valued and can focus on their families during their leave. Women at HPE take an average of 33 weeks of parental leave, while men and adoptive parents take an average of 30 weeks, showcasing the success of the company’s approach.
In addition to generous parental leave, HPE provides caregivers with 10 days of free backup childcare annually and extends support to other family members. The company’s flexibility allows employees to tailor their leave according to their needs, whether returning on a part-time basis or taking breaks intermittently.
Overall, HPE’s commitment to enhancing its parental leave policy reflects its dedication to employee well-being and its recognition of the importance of supporting employees through significant life events.
“Employees are encouraged to take their full leave and ensure they are not constantly contacted,” says Samantha DuBridge, Vice President of Benefits, Culture, and People Care at HPE. DuBridge explains that the company offers a soft landing option for employees transitioning back to full-time work, with most taking advantage of this period for around a month before resuming their regular schedules. This transition period has proven valuable for employees.
The changes in benefits have been successful, with over 80% of employees reporting high levels of engagement, 88% acknowledging the company’s care for their well-being, and nearly 95% receiving the necessary flexibility from their managers to balance work and personal needs.
Although allowing employees to take extended leaves can pose operational challenges such as preplanning and team adjustments, DuBridge emphasizes that after six years of implementing this policy, employees now expect their colleagues to utilize their available time off and manage it effectively. The company’s culture supports employees in taking time off, particularly for life events like becoming a parent.
DuBridge stresses that this supportive approach is embraced at all levels of the organization, ensuring that employees feel empowered to take the time they need for personal matters. This article was originally published on Fortune.com and appears in the April/May 2025 issue of Fortune.
