Flexibility helps firms tap mother lode; generous maternity-leave policies aid in retaining valuable workers.(Women in Business)

Crain's New York Business, September, 1997 by Westreich, Joan

Generous maternity-leave policies aid in retaining valuable workers Since the passage of the landmark Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, many more working mothers now benefit from a minimum standard for maternity leaves. But the guarantee of up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave each year to care for a newborn or newly adopted child is a financial fantasy for most working mothers.

Without continuing income, most women cannot afford the luxury of time off. That's why the average maternity leave is only six weeks. But a growing number of New York companies are recognizing that if they wish to retain their valued employees, it's important that they offer more generous and flexible maternity leaves. Merrill Lynch & Co., for example, now offers 13 weeks of paid leave for...

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