Glossary
Parental leave
Meaning & Definition
Parental leave is a time off from work that employers offer employees to take care of or bond with their new-born baby or newly adopted child. Parental leave may be granted to either the mother, father, or caregiver who meets the eligibility criteria. This leave could either be paid or unpaid.
Importance of Parental Leave
- Assists in striking a balance between work and family life.
- Supports in childcare after childbirth or adoption.
- Promotes employee health and work-life balance.
- Increases employee engagement and helps in retaining employees.
- Offers organizations an organized family leave structure.
- Enhances the workplace culture.
Legal Compliance / Applicable Rules & Policies
- There is no one single statutory benefit of parental leave that exists in India at present. The provisions of maternity leave to eligible women are regulated under the provisions of the relevant legislation, such as the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, which grants maternity leave up to 26 weeks in certain circumstances.
- Statutory paternal/parental leave for fathers is not universally provided in the private sector and may exist under the terms of employment contracts. Government employees may be subject to different service regulations.
- The employer needs to specify criteria for eligibility, period, pay, documentation, and resumption to work under the terms of their parental/family leave policy.
