Google is increasing its leave benefits for parents, parents who give birth and those caring for seriously ill loved ones, the company announced Thursday.
Starting on Jan. 1, parental leave for all parents increased by six weeks, from 12 to 18 weeks off. Parental leave for parents who give birth was also lengthened by six weeks, from 18 to 24 weeks off.
The company is making two additional changes to its time-off policies beginning April 2: Google will double what it calls "carer’s leave" for seriously ill loved ones from four to eight weeks. Employees will also receive five more vacation days, increasing from 15 to 20 minimum paid vacation days.
Chief People Officer Fiona Cicconi said the company wants to support the over 40% of Google employees who are part of the “sandwich generation,” meaning they’re likely caring for both children and aging parents at once. Older workers in this generation have told Protocol that they often feel ostracized, especially in an industry dominated by young people.
“We want to support our employees at every stage of their lives and that means providing extraordinary benefits, so they can spend more time with their new baby, look after a sick loved one or take care of their own wellbeing,” Cicconi said in a statement provided to Protocol.
Pinterest has also expanded its parental leave recently for both birthing and non-birthing parents. Just a month before the company announced those changes, the House of Representatives passed a bill that would mandate four weeks of paid family and medical leave for all workers.
Climate TRACE's data show emissions at the facility-level.Image: Climate TRACE