Paid Family Leave: Should You Offer It to Your Employees?

Paid Family Leave

If you're a business owner in New York, I'm sure you're familiar with Paid Family Leave (PFL). 

Not only is it a NY state requirement, but it’s a game-changer when it comes to paying your employees during important life events. 

But here's the thing… 

Most business owners don’t encourage their employees to use it because they’re worried it will cost them. 

But the truth is, that’s not the case. 

After reading this article, you’ll know why you should have PFL, who is eligible, and why you should let your employees take advantage of it. 

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Is NY Paid Family Leave Mandatory? 

Paid Family Leave is used to allow your employees time to care for ill family members, establish a bond with their new offspring, or deal with family issues after a military emergency without worrying about losing their job. 

And as of January 2018, providing your employees PFL (paid family leave) became a New York State requirement. 

So, if you’re a New York business and you don’t offer PFL, now is the time to start.

What are the Misconceptions about Paying for Paid Family Leave?

Because of this new requirement, if you’re a business in New York, you should already be withholding money from your employee’s paychecks and paying premiums for PFL.  

And therefore, your employees should have the opportunity to receive around a thousand dollars a week for up to 12 weeks. 

But if you’re like most employers, you might be afraid of the hole it’ll burn in your pocket if your employees use it. 

But here’s the thing. 

When you let your employees take advantage of PFL, you're actually paying them without any additional expense to you and your business. 

And the best part?

It won't raise your rates or your premiums as an employer!

So, instead of digging into your pockets to pay your eligible employees, why not let them tap into the PFL benefit you're already paying for? 

It's a win-win situation.

Who is Eligible, and When Can They Use It?

So, now that you know that you should let your employees use PFL. You might be wondering who is eligible and when they can use it. 

The short answer is… most of your employees are eligible, and there are three qualifying events. 

These events include:

  • Caring for a family member that has a preapproved illness.
  • Time to bond with children after they are born or time to welcome a child into foster care.
  • Time to process military leave.

And that’s it!

All in all. If you’re a business in New York, you’re required to offer Paid Family Leave (PFL).

And since it won’t cost you extra, you should let your employees use it.

Want to know more details about the PFL in New York? Download our comprehensive Ebook!

Comprehensive New York Paid Family Leave Ebook

 

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