The Lancaster County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday approved a new benefit that allows covered county employees to use six weeks of paid leave following the birth of a child or when a child is in the process of being adopted or put into foster care with an employee.
Paid parental leave supplements the twelve weeks of unpaid leave currently afforded to eligible employees by the Family and Medical Leave Act. “We care about the health, well-being, and quality of life of the exceptional individuals who work for Lancaster County, along with their families,” says County Board Chair Christa Yoakum.
“Paid time off to care for or bond with a child alleviates the stress of having to choose between caregiver and work responsibilities, thereby enhancing employee productivity and morale and increasing our retention rate.”
Board members say paid time off for new parents also contributes to healthy child development, improves maternal health, supports a partner’s involvement in childcare and enhances families’ economic security.
“Paid parental leave is an important tool in keeping Lancaster County competitive with topflight employers in our community and strengthens our strategic commitment to being an ‘employer of choice,” says County Board Vice-Chair Sean Flowerday.