Microsoft, Netflix lauded for extended parental leave policies

The two companies have gotten mostly great PR out of the moves, though a few vocal critics are speaking up, too.

Microsoft and Netflix are learning that enhancing paid leave for new parents is not just good policy—it’s good PR. However, the moves come with their share of criticism.

Netflix made its announcement on Tuesday in a blog post. Chief talent officer Tawni Cranz writes:

We want employees to have the flexibility and confidence to balance the needs of their growing families without worrying about work or finances. Parents can return part-time, full-time, or return and then go back out as needed. We’ll just keep paying them normally, eliminating the headache of switching to state or disability pay. Each employee gets to figure out what’s best for them and their family, and then works with their managers for coverage during their absences.

Microsoft followed suit by enhancing its own parental leave policy. Kathleen Hogan, Microsoft’s VP of human resources, writes:

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