Levi Strauss & Co. Expands Parental Leave for U.S. Employees

Today marks the third anniversary of the introduction of the Family and Medical Insurance Leave (FAMILY) Act, which is designed to provide some compensation to employees who take family or medical leave. We’re proud to stand with those who support this legislation as it not only aligns with our company’s parental leave policy, but also the shared belief that time with new family is invaluable. Learn more about our policy here.
The face of the family has evolved.
There is the traditional household – replete with mom, dad and newborn baby in tow. Then there are parents who have welcomed children into their homes through adoption or foster care. And those parents could be two mothers or fathers – or simply one or the other.
Regardless of the family makeup, one convention holds true across the board – bonding time with a new child is critical for all parents. That’s why Levi Strauss & Co. is expanding its parental leave policy for mothers and fathers at the time of a child’s birth, adoption or joining a family through foster care.
“We recognize that one of the biggest life events for any man or woman is welcoming a new child, and we decided that we wanted to build on our support to our employees during this important bonding time,” said Chip Bergh, CEO for Levi Strauss & Co. “We know, and research has proved, families do better when parents are able to have the support and flexibility to cherish these important moments.”
According to recent Pew Research data, fathers have taken on more housework and child care duties – more than doubling time they spend doing household chores and nearly tripling time they spend with children since 1965. It also shows that about two-thirds of households are dual-earner families.
All LS&Co hourly and salaried U.S. employees with benefits, regardless of gender, will be offered up to eight weeks of paid parental leave starting December 1.  The paid parental leave benefit will be in addition to existing short-term disability benefits for birth mothers.
The policy is just one example of LS & Co.’s approach to a work/life balance that reflects the changing personal and professional needs of the modern workforce. We believe in an environment that allows each of us to be healthy, happy and successful people at home and at work.
“The intent of this new policy is to provide our new moms and dads with greater work-life balance,” Chip said, “and create opportunities to fully experience the incredible milestone that comes with expanding one’s family.”
We are proud to be at the forefront of the U.S. apparel industry with respect to parental leave and welcome this opportunity to reset the standard and hopefully inspire others to follow.