The issue and struggle of work-life balance are very real. As our lifestyle becomes more busy day by day, it is no wonder that there is barely any time for ourselves and our families. There are many employee provisions that vary from country to country, to ensure a healthy work-life balance. Finland, for instance, is known for its healthy work and education hours. One such provision that matters a lot is regarding parental leave.
Parental leave encompasses a few reasons, all of them related either to the adoption or birth of a child. It is regardless of the gender, its granting availability for both the mother and the father. It may include maternity leaves, adoption leaves, paternity leaves, and so on. Another variation of the paternal leave is that of the family leave. This is not the case for every nation. But if the family leave option is there, it can grant you leave to take care of a family member who may be sick.
Each country has its own policy and sometimes this can even vary from employer to employer. Our focus, for now, is on maternity leaves. Maternity leaves are required by mothers who are either pregnant or are about to give birth soon. Fathers can take this leave as well, to look after the pregnancy.
The thing is, whether the maternity leave can be granted or not. And if it is, then is it paid or not? Another important factor is the duration of the maternity leave. Is it for a month or many months? Or can it only be a couple of weeks? The infographic below showcases a few trends of paternity leaves from around the world, revolving around the situation of maternity.
Infographic by: Raconteur
