Women’s Foundation Urges Employers to Offer Paid Family and Medical Leave to Assist Working Families During Coronavirus Outbreak

President and CEO Wendy Doyle says paid leave will help workers and their families survive financial crisis during nation’s response to COVID-19

KANSAS CITY, MO -- Women’s Foundation President and CEO Wendy Doyle issued the following statement in response to the coronavirus crisis:

As the novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, has quickly become a part of our everyday lives, and continues to imperil public health, it is vital that employers and policymakers take action now to protect the physical and financial health of families and communities.

While we're armed with resources to increase our chances of remaining healthy, there is one thing we could be doing right now to ensure the health and resilience of our economy: paid sick leave and paid family and medical leave for all workers.

It's critical for workers to take time off to care for a sick relative, care for a child, or to rest and take care of themselves when ill -- all without fear of retribution and/or missing paychecks and falling into a financial crisis.

We know paid leave works, and we know there are proven policies that organizations in the public and private sectors can implement now that will help safeguard our health and save families--and our communities--from financial collapse. 

We strongly encourage all employers – in both the public and private sector – who currently do not offer paid family and medical leave to consider the following best practices and guidelines for rapid implementation:

Women’s Foundation Recommendation for paid family and medical leave

  • 12 weeks with 100% pay for all part-time and full-time workers

  • Provide paid family and medical leave immediately upon hire of the employee

Women’s Foundation Recommendation for paid sick leave

  • 7 paid sick days with 100% pay for all part-time and full-time workers

    • In the event of a public health emergency, provide for an additional 7 days paid sick days (total of 14 days) with 100% pay for all part-time and full-time workers. 

  • Provide sick days immediately upon hire of the employee

The Women’s Foundation’s mission is to advance all women’s economic and civic leadership. We envision a world where all women are empowered to strengthen America’s economy and democracy.