Ford Motor Company is increasing time off for new mothers and fathers. Ford will expand its New Parent Days policy as well as add new, flexible family oriented benefits for U.S. salaried employees. Among other benefits, the updated policy will: Increase time off to spend with children from 2 weeks to 8 weeks, in addition to the 6-8 weeks available to birth mothers under the Salaried Disability Plan. Introduce the New Parent Ramp-Up, which allows new parents to return to work following maternity/parental leave on a part-time basis for four weeks at full-time pay. Provide support of the storage and shipment of milk for nursing mothers. Even if travelling for business, the company will permit them to store or ship expressed milk home to a child at the company’s expense. To adequately benefit all Ford employees, these perks will apply equally to birth mothers and fathers, adoptive parents and same sex couples. These policy changes have short- and long-term benefits including allowing the company to attract and retain top talent, support employees during key life moments and increase employee morale. These benefits come in addition Ford’s existing Re-Entry Program, which provides professional development, networking and mentorship opportunities to experienced professionals who have been out of the workforce or underemployed for two or more years.
