Apple today has announced that they will be expanding employee benefits for new parents as they transition to work. One of these benefits is extending the leave from 16 weeks to 20 weeks in total.
The 4-week grace period will give new parent work flexibility, such as setting their own hours or cutting back on the hours while still getting paid full-time. The Cupertino-based company states that the transition period will apply to new parents and non-birth parents as well, i.e., adopting or taking in a foster child. Retail employees are also covered in the change.
In addition, leave for adoptive parents has been expanded 4 weeks via Paid Family Care in cases of illness in the family. Financial assistance will be tripled for those who wish to adopt, up to $14,000.
Last but not the least, Apple will be expanding on mental wellness benefits by doubling free counseling sessions to employees each year, along with telemedicine options.
