Recent social media posts have surfaced about Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s family bonding time when their baby girl is born. Zuckerberg has been known to be outspoken about his stances on politics, national policy, global issues, and now he is sharing his emotional perspective about two-month Paternity Leave policies. Reportedly Facebook is offering a four-month parental leave policy; however, Zuckerberg will be taking two months off to spend with his family and new baby when she is born.
Currently, Zuckerberg and wife Priscilla Chan are expecting their second child.
Zuckerberg often utilizes his social media pages to share family photos with his followers; his photos often portray the importance of his own family values. Zuckerberg informed followers that he would again take a two-month paternity leave when the new baby comes.
Paving the way for dads in the workforce
Maxima Chan Zuckerberg, the Zuckerberg's first child, was born in 2015. Zuckerberg took two months of paternity leave when Max was born and reported being grateful to have the bonding time with this daughter. Now, with the pending birth of their daughter, the Zuckerbergs are planning on having dad home for two months with the new baby.
Dads too play an important role in the developing and bonding in a child’s life.
Zuckerberg reported that Facebook allows up to four months of maternity and paternity leave for families. Studies indicate that maternity and paternity leave time is beneficial for the whole family.
@TODAYshow Bank of America has been offering 3 months of paternity for years. I'm glad Facebook finally caught up....almost.
— Adam (@onearmbandit007) August 19, 2017
Progressive parental leave policies
More progressive companies offer paid paternity leave; but, many companies still trail behind and do not offer such privileges.
As for now, this type of leave is not always an option for families with economic barriers. Policy reformation and advocates for both maternal and paternal leave policies are being addressed at state and national levels but overall the United States has one on of the poorest parental leave policies in the world.
Historically, maternity/paternity leave has been available as a legal right and/or governmental program for a long time.
In 2014, the International Labour Organization reviewed several parental leave policies. Their findings indicated that all countries except Papua New Guinea have laws mandating various forms of #parental leave. The United States, Suriname, Papua New Guinea, and several island countries are the only countries/territories in the world that do not offer progressive and paid parental leave polices collectively.
