WASHINGTON, DC, February 4, 2020 — A majority of U.S.-based large employers are expanding paid leave benefits including adding or considering new types of paid leave, increasing the number of days available for leave, and/or broadening eligibility, according to a new Business Group on Health survey. The survey of 113 large employers also revealed that employers are responding to employees’ needs and a more diverse workforce by expanding paid leave for parenting, caregiving, bereavement, and for other reasons.
According to the Business Group’s 2020 Large Employers’ Leave Strategy and Transformation Survey, almost four in ten (39%) respondents expanded paid leave benefits in 2019, 38% are making changes this year and 35% are considering by 2022. More specifically:
- 30% of employers added new leave programs in 2019. Additionally, 24% are planning to add programs this year (with 18% considering new programs in 2021/2022).
- 24% of employers increased the duration of leave available last year. Additionally, 23% plan to increase the duration of leave this year (with 23% considering doing in 2021/2022).
- 12% of employers expanded eligibility for leave benefits last year. Additionally, 8% plan to expand eligibility this year (with 15% considering doing so in 2021/2022).
“Leave benefits, especially for new parents and working caregivers, are highly valued by employees and address a growing area of need. Employers are evaluating, and in many cases, expanding these and other benefits to help meet those needs,” said Brian Marcotte.
More employers embracing caregiver, expanding bereavement leave
Employer interest in supporting employees with caregiving responsibilities is growing. Over a third of respondents (35%) offer caregiver leave benefits and another 28% are considering it by 2022. Interestingly, many employers have gone beyond leave to care for a spouse, child or parent to also cover others that employees may have caregiving responsibilities for: 46% cover siblings, 46% cover parents of spouse/partner and 38% cover grandparents.
The survey also noted that employers understand the importance of being there for employees when they most need support. In fact, all respondents in the survey offer bereavement leave. On average, employers offer six days of bereavement leave, with some providing up to 20 days.
“We expect large employers to continue expanding leave benefits in the coming years, and not just for parents and caregivers. In fact, employers are looking to volunteer leave, bereavement leave, military leave, mental health days, and summer Fridays off. Employers see their roles changing and want to support employees during the times they need it most,” said LuAnn Heinen, vice president, Business Group on Health.
About the survey
The 2020 Large Employers’ Leave Strategy and Transformation Survey was conducted in October and November 2019. The survey results reflect the leave benefits and strategies at 113 large employers, including 74% with more than 10,000 employees.
About Business Group on Health
Business Group on Health is the only non-profit organization devoted exclusively to representing large employers' perspective on health policy issues and optimizing workforce strategy through innovative health, benefits and well-being solutions. The Business Group keeps its membership on the leading edge of innovation, thinking and action to address health care cost and the delivery, financing, affordability and experience with the health care system. Business Group members, many of whom have operations globally, include 74 Fortune 100 companies, and provide health coverage for more than 60 million workers, retirees and their families in over 200 countries. For more information, visit www.businessgrouphealth.org.