19 companies that offer some of the best parental leave policies in America

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In August 2015, Netflix made a huge announcement — the company's new moms and dads can take off as much time as they want during the first year after their child's birth or adoption.

By announcing this policy, Netflix not only joined the ranks of several major companies, but it also led the way for many more that have instituted radical parental leave policies at odds with the country's lack of mandatory paid parental leave.

While US policymakers have been slow to acknowledge the benefits of guaranteeing paid time spent with a new child, companies like Netflix say they want their employees to be able to balance the needs of their growing families without worrying about work or finances.

"Experience shows people perform better at work when they're not worrying about home," Tawni Cranz, Netflix's chief talent officer, wrote on Netflix's blog. "This new policy, combined with our unlimited time off, allows employees to be supported during the changes in their lives and return to work more focused and dedicated." 

Here are some companies that are making life for new parents that much better with generous parental leave policies:

Netflix

New parents at Netflix take as much paid parental leave as needed for up to one year after the birth or adoption of a new child, and they can choose to return full-time, part-time, and take additional time off as needed.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Employees at the largest private foundation in the world can enjoy up to one year of paid time with their newborns during the child's first year after birth or adoption.

"This will enable parents to participate more fully in their children’s lives, while also allowing them the flexibility and financial certainty to meet the needs of their growing families," Steven Rice, the foundation's chief human resources officer, writes in a statement posted on LinkedIn.

Etsy

Regardless of gender, birthing means, or country of residence, all employees are eligible for 26 weeks of fully paid leave that can be taken over the two years following the birth or adoption of a child.

"Many traditional parental leave policies don't treat people equally, including single parents, adoptive parents, and parents who use surrogates," the company's director of culture and engagement, Juliet Gorman, says. "While we recognize the unique toll of giving birth, we believe that all members of a family benefit from generous, inclusive leave."